Henry V worth checking out at the National Monument

   Coolopolis scored a front row freeb to Henry V's most recent unveiling at the Monument Nationale (the Main and Dorch) playing until November 13. It's the same production crew that put on an impressive Macbeth at the McCord Museum a couple of years back including Christopher Moore (bottom right ) who plays a small role in this one while doubling up on co-director duties.

   The cast is clad in wifebeaters during their roles as the chorus so you know pretty fast which ones have been hitting the gym (Christopher Moore= nope, Aaron Turner= Henry V, yep). The tale is, of course, Shakespeare's take on the unlikely triumph of the English at Agincourt, the first volley of the 100 Years which took place War 25 October 1415, in which 10,000 French were killed while only 25 Brits bit the dust, thanks for the rain of arrows shooting down from the Welsh longbow crowd. So the actors, which seem to include a buncha young John Abbott grads prove entirely capable, in most cases offering a refreshing clarity of diction which fills the somewhat intimate theatrical setting. The King Henry V, played by Aaron Turner gets a ton of lines to recite, of course and the tall Aaron Turner proved a skilful master of the challenging role. He had a great stage presence and is fun to watch. The rest of the gang was entirely capable as well, they probably deserved to be brought back for a second bow but anglos are lazy clappers, compared to the French crowds which brings back even the crappiest productions for second and third bows.
   Other plays: . Norway Today (in French) a widely-produced Eurotrashy teenage suicide play come and gone at the Prospero had a few moments but never hit must-see status. Opium 37, set in 30s Paris starring a cast of beautifully-costumed crazies including an Anais Nin kicked off the new 4 Sous was admirable on many levels but not overwhelming (you can still catch it at Espace Go). Goldini's Il Campiello at the PdA 5 ieme Salle had a lot going for it considering it was wacky historical slapstick. Executeur 14, now playing at a small room at the Usine C is an oft-produced play written by an Egyptian playwright 11 years ago, it's one-man show about brutality which never really caught me. Reminded me a bit of the Syringa Tree a few years ago at the Centaur, a play where many in the crowd were enraptured but I just ended up checking my watch and resting my eyes.
   One other thing: the QDF is presenting previews of winter plays December 6, 7 pm at the Segal Center. The last one was a hoot. Highly recommended, free.