The Shea Theater Arts Center , 71 Avenue
Tuesday, January 16, Wed, Jan 17 at 6pm
Friday, January 19 at 6pm
Saturday, January 20 at 10:30am and 6pm
Sunday, January 21 at 1pm
The Young Shakespeare Players-East Present King Henry IV, Part 1
“Give me life!” – Falstaff
The Young Shakespeare Players-East present their Fall/Winter production of King Henry IV, Part 1. This play is one of the best kept secrets in Shakespeare, one that many Bard-lovers count as their very favorite, particularly for its comedy and rich language, which includes many of the best insults to be found in his (or anyone else’s) writings. It’s a play perfectly suited to our time, the story of a young prince’s coming of age, trying to figure out what is (inherited or taken) power worth as he journeys through three distinct worlds and finds empathy for his kingdom’s disparate populations—be they perfidious politicians, overheated rebels, or raucously witty commoners.
With twenty-four youth actors drawn from across western Massachusetts and southern Vermont, YSP East will accomplish feats that few theater companies anywhere would believe is possible:
- An unabridged, unedited Shakespeare production
- Actors ages 8-18 who perform with full understanding of Shakespeare's language
- Three casts alternating roles across performance nights
- Nearly 100%-youth tech crews (who are also the actors in another cast)
- Free performances in an exquisitely restored architectural gem
The Young Shakespeare Players (YSP) East, a volunteer run non-profit theater program founded in 2012, invites young people ages 8-18 to perform full-length works of Shakespeare. It is the very first YSP chapter outside Madison, WI, and the proud recipient of the Bardie People’s Choice Award: Best Shakespeare Educational Program (K-12). Its motto, from Hamlet, is “the readiness is all.” At YSP East there are no auditions—all participants receive substantial speaking roles.
All ages are welcome and encouraged to attend. No reservations required. Doors open 20 minutes prior to each show. Delicious concessions available for sale.