Henry IV, Part I

Through Aug. 30, free, Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre, 2111 Sansom St., 215-496-8001, phillyshakespeare.org

by Brion Shreffler

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Published: Aug 18, 2009

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Before he becomes king, Prince Hal gives his dear old dad a few headaches. He drinks, brawls and hangs out with all manner of slatterns and washerwomen. He cavorts with Falstaff, a disreputable knight, while numerous parties plot against his father, the titular king. Eventually, he realizes the need to prove himself as heir to the throne, and the challenge to his father provides the perfect foil. The idea of role-playing, whether it applies to Falstaff's trickery or the different skins worn by Hal (heir, hooligan), is accentuated by Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre's abandonment of gender strictures for several roles. Director David Stradley says this nuance is a fun way of highlighting the struggle for identity at the heart of this coming-of-age story, which culminates with an epic battle scene — complete, in PST's case, with wooden weaponry.

Through Aug. 30, free, Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre, 2111 Sansom St., 215-496-8001, phillyshakespeare.org

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