Henry V

Continuing my autumnal romp through Shakespeare, I saw Henry V at the Irondale Center in Brooklyn last night (performances continue through Dec. 10, 2011).  Only 10 actors performed over 40 roles (47 according to the playbill).  Perhaps this accounts somewhat for the liveliness that the play afforded, streamlining the otherwise heavy drama into crisp encounters and exchanges.  The most memorable scene, for me, was the bilingual punning conversation in which the French princess Katherine blushes and giggles at the wordplay of “foot” and “coat.”  When even such a potentially leaden scene as that, which I only half understand, is performed with such gusto, it makes for a very enjoyable two hours.