Parenting Troubles: 'Henry IV'

FOR A PLAY focused on war, power and death, there's no shortage of comedy in Folger Theatre's production of Shakespeare's "Henry IV."

The edgy comedic jabs delivered by Prince Hal (Tom Story) carefully cover any feelings of impending disaster, and together with "The Wire" actor Delaney Williams as Falstaff, the two become the comedic powerhouse of the production.

King Henry IV (Rick Foucheux) has usurped England's throne from his cousin, Richard II. He tries to keep his country in one piece while his rebellious son, Prince Hal, shirks the looming responsibilities of the crown. Story's portrayal gives truth to Hal's struggle to find a balance between the life of a respectable prince and a libertine.

Tucked among the swords and power struggles are characters of fiery exuberance and menace, including Mark Krawczyk as the killing machine Scotsman Douglas, and David Graham Jones' Hotspur, who makes his mark onstage in a very physical -- and, quite frankly, hot -- kiss with Lady Percy (Ellen Adair). (A collective intake of breath and even some shivers rippled through the audience during that smooch.)

Thanks to David Mason Jones' even-handed direction, teasing humor from the blood and thunder, one of Shakespeare's most nuanced works unfolds with the roller-coaster ease of a soap opera and resounds with the importance of an indelible piece of history.

» Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol St. SE; through Nov. 16, $34-$55; 202-544-7077. (Capitol South)

Written by Express contributor Adaora Otiji
Photo by Carol Pratt