HENRY V at Southwest Shakespeare Company

SOUTHWEST SHAKESPEARE PRESENTS SHAKESPEARE’S WAR EPIC

Themes of war and brotherhood abound throughout Henry V by William Shakespeare

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—Southwest Shakespeare Company will be performing a special adaptation of Henry V, February 14, 15 & 21, 2026 at Mesa Arts Center. William Shakespeare's tumultuous war epic featuring themes of nationalism, diversity, war, trauma and humanity, performed live in the Piper Repertory Theater. Originally adapted as an educational touring show, this production features a brilliant cast of five and an 85 minute run time. The action-packed show features staged battles, a cavalcade of characters, and some of the most resonant words created by Shakespeare.

“A timeless and important piece of Western culture, this show brings laughter, danger, love and a taste of war,” says Keath Hall, Southwest Shakespeare Company Artistic Director.

Henry V follows the story of King Henry V of England. The young king must reunite his country and make up for his father’s usurping of the crown. Mocked by the prince of France he sets his sights on conquering the neighboring country. Despite questionable claims to the lands of France, he musters his band of soldiers and marches to war. In the play, we join Henry’s army and wade through the fog of war and the roar of the canon, and feel the pulse of the troops. Can Henry take France? What will remain of his army, his body or his soul?

Public performances of the show will be presented at 7:30pm on February 14, and at 2pm on February 15 and 21. There are special weekday matinees for students and senior living groups at 10am on February 10, 12, and 20.

Henry V is directed by Breona Conrad and features local acting talents of Beau Heckman, Amanda Trombley, Ashleigh Brown, Owen Rapkoch and Joshua Murphy in the title role. The tone and look of the show reflect the American Vietnam War era, and the universality and relevance of the text shines through in this performance. Henry V is supported by brilliant designers and technicians: Mckenna Henry as Stage Manager, Lighting Design by Stacey Walston, Sound by Jacob Nichols, Costumes by LeeAnn Jensen, Props and Set Dressings by Dawn Conry, and Fight Choreography by Keath Hall.

A Flachmann Seminar discussing both Henry V and The Merry Wives of Windsor will be presented Saturday February 7 at 9am at Mesa Arts Center, with a separate admission cost. This half-day seminar will be led by Dr. Susan Willis, who since 1985 has worked with the Alabama Shakespeare Festival as its resident dramaturg, a director on its MFA faculty, a public speaker, and author of study materials and program notes. Dr. Willis is also Professor Emerita of English at Auburn University at Montgomery. She holds degrees from Emory University and the University of Virginia and has led Southwest Shakespeare’s Flachmann seminars since 2013.

Show tickets range from $41.50-$71.50 with discounts for Seniors, Students and Educators. Mesa Arts Center is located in downtown Mesa at One East Main Street, Mesa. Tickets, more information and details are available at https://swshakespeare.org