Presented in part by The Hitz Foundation and Play On Shakespeare:

Shows and Playwrights:

• Richard  II by William Shakespeare in a modern verse translation by Naomi Iizuka
• Henry IV (part 1) by William Shakespeare in a modern verse translation by Yvette Nolan
• Henry IV (part 2) by William Shakespeare in a modern verse translation by Yvette Nolan
• Henry V  by William Shakespeare in a modern verse translation by Lloyd Suh

After the success of presenting Shakespeare’s first tetralogy “The Wars of the Roses” in 2021 , Shakespeare Dallas will present “Shakespeare’s Henriad” — staged-readings of a series of history plays that runs from Richard II, through Henry IV, Parts I & II, and Henry V. Shakespeare’s timeless stories will be explored through Play On Shakespeare’s modern verse translation. Each play brings a unique touch by a living playwright to bring accessibility and vibrant modern language to each of these four Shakespeare plays. 

The Henriad is William Shakespeare’s finest achievement as a political writer, and exemplifies his talent for depicting matters of state. Taken together, these works offer a strikingly intimate portrait of power itself, especially in the portrayal of Prince Hal (later King Henry V), the cycle’s central figure. The plays are especially good at revealing the theatrical dimensions of politics and diplomacy, and the tension that sometimes emerges between leaders’ private motivations and their public personas. The Henriad plays are a contemplation of power and leadership—how they are acquired, maintained, and lost. The sweeping saga takes the audience through the destabilizing effects of Richard II’s overthrow and abdication to the unsteady rise of Henry V. A host of historical and fictional characters—both high- and low-born—revolve around the monarchs in shifting alliances.

 Richard II

After his exile of Henry Bolingbroke, Richard II seizes noble land and uses the money to fund wars in Ireland. But when Henry returns to England to reclaim his land, he gathers an army of those who oppose Richard. Only one can take the throne.

Henry IV - Part I

King Henry IV is preparing for war and is prepared to defend his crown. But his son, Prince Hal, is too busy languishing in taverns and brothels to bother with politics. Will Hal continue to live his lavish lifestyle or will he finally confront his duty to family and throne?

Henry IV - Part II

Henry IV, Part II follows King Henry IV’s victory at the battle of Shrewsbury. But the King’s health is failing, leaving his youngest son, Prince John, to fight the rebels while Prince Hal prepares himself to take the throne. Meanwhile, Hal’s friend, Sir John Falstaff, stirs up trouble in the kingdom.

Henry V

Prince Hal ascends to the throne after his father’s death, becoming King Henry V. England is in a state of unrest, and Henry V must leave his lavish lifestyle behind to take on his responsibilities as king. Winning battles against all odds, Henry V is about how a rebellious boy becomes one of the most powerful kings in England’s history.

There will be a pre-show discussion led by scholar TA Taylor before each performance at 7:15pm and a post show Q&A with TA Taylor, the actors and directors following each show. The pre-show discussion and post-show Q&A are supported by Humanities Texas. 

NEED TO KNOW

LOCATION/ TIME:

Performances take place at the Samuell Grand Ampitheater, 1500 Tenison Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75223.

Gates Open: Subscribers at 6:45 pm, Groups and Advanced Sales at 7:00 pm, Curtain at 8:00pm. Runtime is approximately 2.5 hours and will include a 15-minute intermission.

Patrons are welcome to bring in chairs, blankets, picnic baskets, food, beer, and wine. Sand chair rentals are also available at the park for $7 (first come/ first serve.)

TICKETS AND ADMISSION:

Tickets will be emailed to you upon purchase. Please present your ticket barcode to the Front of House attendants for scanning when you arrive. Tickets may be purchased online up until the beginning of the performance (encouraged) or at the front gate. 

Lost your ticket? Click on "resend confirmation" at the top of the page to have a copy of your ticket emailed to you. We encourage you to create an account so you can always access your tickets.

PARKING: 

Please purchase parking when you purchase your tickets. A separate parking barcode will be included in your ticket purchase confirmation email. Cash will also be accepted at the parking lot entrance. Parking is $7 per performance or a season parking pass may be purchased for $20.

GROUP RATES:

Groups are encouraged! For information on attending with your group of 10 or more, please contact us at [email protected].

REFUNDS:

Shakespeare Dallas has a strict no refund policy. Our tickets are flexible, so you're always able to use the ticket you've purchased for another night.  In the event of a weather-related cancellation of a show, rain checks are issued so that our patrons may have every opportunity to see another performance. Refunds may only be issued for show cancellations during the last weekend of performances.