Henry V, in an MIT hour
The MIT Shakespeare Ensemble performed a condensed, humorous, and romantic interpretation of one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays
Henry V
Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Kate Pitt
La Sala, MIT Student Center
March 14-16; March 20-21
With creative prop usage, smooth stage transitions, and a talented cast, the MIT Shakespeare Ensemble presented a clever synopsis of Shakespeare’s Henry V, one of his most popular works. The play, first performed in 1599, follows King Henry’s growth into a decisive and inspiring leader, culminating in his victory over France and the Battle of Agincourt. Also called Henry of Monmouth, Henry V ruled as King of England from 1413 until his death in 1422, and was known for elevating England to its military prowess.
Though the stage in La Sala was small, the Ensemble did an excellent job decorating the space, as well as moving the cast through their costume changes and transitions. The set was empty besides a single throne, and the intimate performance space enhanced the impact of the speakers. Key moments were emphasized with an additional chorus, music, or supporting sounds.
While the play typically runs over two hours, the Ensemble conveyed the full story and preserved crucial character depth condensed in under an hour. The Ensemble created a lighter atmosphere for the college audience by cutting more graphic scenes, such as the one in which Henry orders the execution of all captured French soldiers after discovering their murders of defenseless English boys.
The production brought characters to life through its clever, minimal usage of props: a chest of tennis balls sent to mock Henry V’s youth, a bag of gold accepted by a bribed noble, and a drink symbolizing a Frenchman’s prioritization of play over battle. The performance made striking use of bursts of lights, dramatic red and blue battle scenes, and handheld flashlights.
Most characters wore traditional theater costumes, with the English in courageous crimson, the French in royal blue, and Princess Katharine, the daughter of the king of France, in a simple pink ruffled gown. Interestingly, King Henry swaggered around the stage in a business casual outfit and a plastic crown.
This took little away from the character, however, thanks to an excellent performance and strong dialogue delivery from Zach Marsinov ’26. In his portrayal of Henry V, Marsinov struck a skillful balance between the image of a fearless and proud king — one who believes strongly in his men, his country, and his divine right to lead — while also conveying the grief and remorse of a man tormented by the ghosts of his fallen soldiers. In a pivotal scene, the spirit of a dead soldier tells the haunted king that death and pain are the side effects of battle, and it isn’t his responsibility to carry these burdens.
Significant airtime was also given to the wooing of Princess Katharine, a scene that occupied less than an act in Shakespeare’s original. Played by Ananda Santos Figueiredo ’25, Katharine was fiery and shared intense stage chemistry with Henry V, generating much laughter from the audience. Despite describing himself as a man of work and battle, and not a master of words and love, Henry V repeatedly proposed his love for Katharine, and, of course, for her country, which he hoped to claim through their marriage.
The short performance ended like it began, with a monologue given by Katharine, who transformed back into the role of the Chorus as she honored the play and its real-life history. This production could not have been the same without Figueiredo’s clear and superb double performance.
It was symbolic that the same person played Katharine and the Chorus; in the Director's Note, Kate Pitt wrote, “We need someone who can look both forward and back to lead us through the story, to remind us how we got here and where we’re going next.” In the history of England and France, Katharine was that someone: wife to Henry V, mother to Henry VI, and the beginning of a long line of kings. Centered around the complex relationship of a monarch to his nobles, people, and himself, Henry V investigates the theme of centralized power and its effective usage.
The MIT Shakespeare Ensemble’s take of Henry V was a great blend of creativity, humor, and historical storytelling. Through clever staging, minimal yet effective props, and a cast that brought both depth and charisma to their roles, the Ensemble succeeded in delivering a compelling adaptation. The performance balanced drama and tradition with innovation, honoring Shakespeare’s play while making it accessible to a modern college audience.