Pittsburgh in the Round: Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks marks its thirteenth year running with a production of Henry V, directed by Alan Irvine. It is the last in a cycle of plays that mostly focuses on the youthful Prince Henry, or Hal, who starts out as a disappointing prince, drinking and carousing with dissolutes in London’s East Cheap, but eventually coming into his own as heir to the throne and then as King Henry. With the crown on his head, he is all business and little play, as PSIP demonstrates in their scenic location in Frick Park.
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One of the most common themes I am finding with productions I have watched recently is a minimalist set. I have somewhat of a love hate relationship with minimalism because I think some of the coolest sets are the most complex. However, I really want to see this production because I think that Shakespeare in the park is a fun weekend activity with friends as well as a good way to see a new interpretation of Shakespeare's work.
I actually went and saw this performance yesterday at Highland Park as a pause from work. There is not set, besides the props the company uses, and even the costumes are minimalist. The dichotomy of red and blue costumes did just enough to be able to identify when certain locations changed or when people were playing different characters. I like this choice because it makes you have to listen and think about the text being spoken. I love Shakespeare, and – having never read this play before – I found the text to be very fun to decode as I watched this performance. Without flashy technical features, you have to pay attention to the text to stay present with the show. I agree with the critic, Boniger, about Lamar K. Cheston's performance. His vigor as a young, trying king really did bloom during the St. Crispin's Day speech, and it brought my attention back to the show as my tired mind was starting to wander. I also absolutely loved Nick Benninger as Alice. It was perfect comedy that everyone, even the young children in the audience, could laugh at. I would recommend it if you want to do something chill to take a break from your work this or next weekend.
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