Henry V
- 2003
- National Theatre (Olivier), London, UK
- Video Designer
- Dick Straker
- Video Editor
- Richard Kenyon
- Video Programmer
- Ian Galloway
The production used live and pre-recorded news footage in a contemporary version of the play. The projected video related events as they happened and as they were 'mediated' by the protagonist to reflect the use of media in contemporary warfare. The projection system included live camera with wireless relay and cued flying projectors and flown screens. Featured as part of the NT's Stageworks Henry V article on using video in theatre at http://www.stagework.org.uk
Video is used throughout as an integral part of the action. We see Henry in an expensive suit, speaking to the nation in the manner of a Prime Ministerial broadcast , to rally support for war. In ironic counterpoint, as the Chorus tells us that "the youth of England are on fire" for war, Bardolph and Nym, who are watching the broadcast in a pub, are busy switching channels looking for football, or snooker.