Stratford Library's Shakespeare in Stratford Series Concludes with Henry IV

The Hudson Shakespeare Company of New Jersey will perform its final summer Shakespeare production at the Stratford Library with the historical classics, Henry IV, Parts 1 & 2 on Saturday, August 27 at 2 p.m. The company returned to Stratford for its eleventh annual season last June with a program of three plays. The fully staged and costumed performance is free and open to the public.

This production, combining both parts of Henry IV into one two-hour afternoon, completes the company’s first history cycle which began in June recounting the story of “Richard II” and how Henry IV took the crown from him in a civil war. Richard II was followed up in July with a flashback story in Edward III telling the back-story of Richard and Henry’s grandfather, the man who started their dynasty. Now in both parts of Henry IV, Henry is dealing with his own unending civil war and his son Hal who wants nothing to do with him or the crown.

At the Stratford Library, Hudson Shakespeare performances are held outside in the Library’s amphitheatre and patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to spread. In the event of inclement weather or extreme heat, the play will move inside to the Library’s air-conditioned Lovell Room.

The Stratford Library is located at 2203 Main St. in Stratford, Conn. For further information, call the Library at (203) 385-4162 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.

Photo: Charlie Leeder as Falstaff, Elizabeth Berkman as Prince Hal and Tom Cox as King Henry IV in Henry IV, Parts 1&2