Henry V at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater runs through February 5, 2023. The young Henry V, the King of England is shown to be a fair but stern rules. A french diplomat brings him a gift from the King of France. When the gift is opened, tennis balls drop out and bounce on the court floor boards. This jest ignited the kings fury and he invades France.
In France the tired English army storms a gated city and though outnumbered, the king threatens his way through the gates to take the stronghold. The implication seems to be that solid oratory is stronger than the sword.
Everything lead up to a huge battle at Agincourt. On the evening before the battle Henry walks disguised among his troops to find out how the soldiers view the following battle. His inspiring rally cry to the troops on the morning of battle has every soldier uproariously ready for the fight. The French on the other hand were port-raid as arrogant princes on their fancy ponies. The incredible bloody battle came down to hand to hand combat after Henry forced the French into a funnel and pikes took out the charging knights on horseback. King Arthur’s Archers in the back turned the tide.
Some French managed to get behind the English lines and they killed the young boys who helped with the battle carts. This sparked absolute rage in King Henry and he killed every French prisoner. His ideal of what war should be were now brutal actions. In a strange turn the king then struggles to win the love of the French princess who was part of the peace treaty. All his battle hardened exterior must melt away if he is to win her hand.