The BYU Young Company is “rizzing” up younger audiences with performances of “Henry V” to help Shakespeare’s classic tales “gain aura” among the next generation.
Shakespeare plays have been widely taught in classrooms in middle school, high school and even BYU. But, with Shakespeare’s centuries-old language, it can be harder for younger audiences to understand and appreciate his plays.
This adaptation, written by Director Rebeca Wallin and Dramaturg Andrew-Elijah Schindler, contains a modern narration with slang popularized by Generation Alpha such as “skibidi rizz,” “Ohio,” “betas” and “cringe.” However, the play still maintains Shakespeare’s original character lines.
“I want (children) to learn to love Shakespeare very young,” Wallin said, “and that they can understand it before a script is thrown at them when they're in high school, and they're just supposed to read it.”
Wallin said she has adapted Shakespeare plays for children for more than 20 years.
“Knowledge of Shakespeare is so important. He's just part of the literary world that we live in,” Wallin said. “I really hope that kids will learn to love it — love the stories and eventually love the language.”
The classic underdog tale of King Henry V and his victory over France teaches audiences of all ages about how individuals can unite in times of conflict.
“My favorite line that I don't say is, ‘We few, we happy few, we band of brothers,’” BYU Young Company member Sydnee Seeley said. “During that part, I’m standing right next to two kids that I've just pulled up on stage with me, and it's so fun. You get to feel the camaraderie there and the friendship.”
The Young Company will continue to perform “Henry V” until Saturday, Feb. 22. The schedule and tickets for future performances can be found on the BYU OnStage website.
After the show’s run at BYU, the Young Company will tour this performance at various elementary schools and libraries in Utah.