Henry V

The Chorus (represented by a single actor) takes to the stage to deliver an opening speech. The Chorus announces that the audience is about to view a play that will involve grand battles and vast environments, filled with warring knights. The Chorus acknowledges that the stage cannot physically replicate the effect of these. As a result, the audience will need to use their imagination to bring the play to life. The stage will become the fields of France and the actors will represent the men who fought to the death in the Hundred Years’ War.

The setting is the English royal court, in London. Two powerful figures from the British church take to the stage: the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Bishop of Ely. Through their conversation, they reveal that a recent bill presented to the King is causing them worry. The bill gives King Henry V of England the power to unilaterally “strip” land and money from the church. With this money, King Henry will be able to pay his soldiers, provide alms for the poor, and replenish the country’s coffers. The rich and powerful churchmen would rather keep this wealth to themselves: To combat the bill, the Archbishop has devised a plan.