Thursday, April 13. 2000
The University Daily Kansan
Section B·Page 5
fine arts
Shakespeare play highlights rebellion
Director wants to 'drain' audience
By Cassie Holman Special to the Kansan
The drama of a 15th century battlefield will unfold tomorrow night at the Crafton-Preyer Theater during the opening sequence of Shakespeare's Henry IV, Part One.
Bringing the world of courts and battlefields to life was a challenge for director Jack Wright and the actors.
"The actors have to learn the lines, but they also have to warm up and rehearse as fighters," he said. "It's always a challenge that a director likes to take on."
Even though the play is set in the early 15th century, the issues the play deals with still are relevant today. Wright said. The play focuses on a king and his son and the problems that arise when the son begins running around with the wrong crowd.
"It's about the individual crisis of the human spirit and the decisions we are faced with," Wright said. "It's really about rebellion and all its various forms."
Falstaff, one of the play's leading comic roles, will be played by guest artist Doug Weaver, a university of Kansas graduate who also teaches part time in the theater department.
"For Falstaff, honor is just a word." Weaver said. "He feels that survival and life are more important."
"The actors have to learn the lines, but they also have to warm up and rehearse as fighters. It's always a challenge that a director likes to take on."
Jack Wright
director
Weaver often performs in Shakespeare productions, where everything is more vivid than other productions, he said.
"The emotions and the humor are larger than life," he said. "It's fun to wrap your tongue around some of those words, too."
Weaver said he enjoyed acting under the direction of Wright, who also directed him as an undergraduate in another Shakespeare production — Romeo and Juliet.
"Jack is very intuitive," he said. "He's an emotional director who likes to talk to the actors. It was a treat and a pleasure to work with him. He's the best out of anybody."
Wright said he wanted the auuence to leave the show feeling drained but hopeful about the way men and women handle stress, pressure and family relationships
Henry IV, Part One will open tomorrow night and will continue this weekend on Saturday and Sunday, as well as April 21 and 22. All shows begin at 8:00 p.m.
Tickets are $6 for students and $12 for the general public.
Applications for Kansan photo, entertainment and wire editors are available now in Room 111 Stauffer-Flint Hall.
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