History lessons – dull, boring, no connection to real life? At any rate, that is what a group of young British and French high school students thought – until they suddenly found themselves transported into 15th century England to witness the history of King Henry V “first hand”. That is the gist of an enthralling English-language production that will be performed in the Bremer Schnürschuhtheater by the student theatre company “Parlement of Foules“ on Saturday 4th June at 7 p.m. The production focuses on the English King, Henry V, and his daring exploits to conquer France.
The 15th century ruler of England, King Henry V, had set his mind on seizing the French throne. To do this, though, he would have to win the battle of Agincourt – against all odds and an army which was far superior. The production is a revised version of William Shakespeare’s “Henry V”. In front of a backdrop of the wars being fought around the world today, it addresses a hot political question: Has England the right to attack another country? What are a ruler’s responsibilities to society?
The theatre company “The Parlement of Foules“ in the Faculty of Linguistics and Literary Studies at the University of Bremen comprises some 20 to 30 students. Its members change every year and come mainly from the Department of English-Speaking Cultures. Under the direction of Michael Claridge, they put on a new performance once a year in the Schnürschuhtheater, which is also used by Bremen schools for drama instruction.
If you can’t get to the premiere, other performances will be held on 5th, 6th, 8th and 9th June – same time, same place. Tickets can be obtained from Theaterhaus Schnürschuh, Buntentorsteinweg 145, phone: 0421-555410, www.schnuerschuh-theater.de .
