Guthrie Theater Presents Three of Shakespeare’s History Plays: For Movie Marathoners, TV Bingers, and People Who Just Love Shakespeare

Marathoning content is a staple of the world we live in today. Who among us hasn’t spent a deliciously cozy day revisiting the Lord of the Rings trilogy or the entire Scream franchise? Who among us hasn’t – alone or with friends – committed to an entire weekend of binging a new show? Who among us hasn’t spent an entire day in and around the Guthrie Theater watching a trilogy of Shakespeare’s History plays?

Oh – you haven’t done the last one?

But you’ve always wanted to?

Well, 2024 must be your year because that is an option at the Guthrie through May 25. This season the Guthrie is simultaneously producing three Shakespearean history plays: Richard II, Henry IV, and Henry V.

Actors Dustin Bronson and David Whalen were kind enough to give Lavender a peek behind the curtain of this special theatrical event, letting our readership in on what the experience has been like as actors and let us know what audiences can expect from these three plays.

When the Guthrie Theater was first established in 1963, Sir Tyrone Guthrie intended it to be a repertory theater – that is, a theater with a resident acting company that performs plays on a rotating schedule. The three history plays mark a momentary reimagination of that legacy.

There is a unique value in repertory theater for an audience member – whether you attend all the shows in one go or over a series of weeks. “For the audience, it’s an opportunity to watch a group of actors tackle multiple roles in multiple shows,” says Whalen.

Bronson continues, “[The] audience has a chance to feel closer to the plays because you recognize the actors on stage,” continues Bronson, “You just watched them play a different character in the last play; you know them, you care about them.”

And it’s just fun: “What is exciting about the Histories at the Guthrie is that you get to see three different plays that make up a larger story arc,” says Bronson, “It’s like binge watching Game of Thrones.”

Although there is no right or wrong way to enjoy the experience that comes along with repertory theater, our actors did have a couple recommendations.

“Watch how characters change over the course of these plays,” says Whalen, “The amazing work by the creative team who have worked tirelessly to build this theatrical storytelling through the costume, sound, lighting, and set design. The incredible stage management team and crew that keeps the plays moving forward. Joe Haj and the team at the Guthrie are doing remarkable [things], and I am honored to be a part of this journey!”

“Look for recurring themes that come up in the plays,” Bronson adds, “Look for shifts in power and how that power affects those that wield it. Also, these plays contain some of the most beautiful language Shakespeare ever wrote, so relish in listening to that!”

Performing one piece of Shakespeare is quite a feat – so the experience of polishing three consecutively running pieces has been a distinctive experience. “As an actor, it’s exciting to challenge yourself, your versatility, your concentration, and your imagination to bring forth all your characters and these stories to life,” says Whalen.

Bronson agrees. “I have felt my craft deepening, I am forced to call on all my training and experience in order to play 5 different roles across 3 plays. My voice and body have to be fully engaged in the process in order to carry these stories and characters through time.”

Whalen agrees, “The most wonderful thing is the sense of trust we’ve developed. Whether it’s building up each other’s confidence, reminding/reaffirming where we are in this monumental project, and just giving everyone grace throughout this process.”

Both actors agree that Shakespeare can be overwhelming for audiences, but strongly believe that they remain classics for a reason. “These stories are so relatable today,” says Whalen. “Whether it is a quest for power, the search for love and acceptance, friendship, envy, these feelings are universal and will always be a part of human nature.”

“I think that everyone is a little intimidated by Shakespeare,” says Bronson. “I know I am – but I think it is far more accessible than we are made to think it is. These are human stories, and they relate so deeply to the world that we live in today.”

Because the Guthrie understands that there are varying degrees of tolerance for Shakespeare, they have designed a few different ways to see all three plays.

Early adopters had the opportunity to see the plays in a weekend-long experience called “A Shakespeare Symposium”. This was a fully immersive weekend that included all three plays, trivia, workshops, speakers and more.

There were two opportunities to see all three plays back-to-back on “Marathon Weekend”. The first has passed as of the time of this publication, but you might still be able to snag tickets for the second, which is on May 18. Showtimes are 10 AM, 3 PM, and 8:30 PM. There is an approximately two-and-a-half-hour break between each play so you can stretch your legs and grab a meal.

Three back-to-back history plays might be too much for even the most die-hard Shakespeare fan. If the curated viewing opportunities aren’t for you, consider purchasing a three-play package and watching the plays in your desired order and at your desired pace. Single tickets are also available. More information regarding tickets can be found on the Guthrie website or through the box office, both of which are listed at the end of this article.

I’ll leave you with an invitation to the plays directly from Shakespeare – spoken through the mouthpiece of  Whalen.

“All of us working on this project are ready for the audience be the final part of this,” says Whalen. “As the chorus says in Henry V:

‘For tis your thoughts that now must deck our kings’

“And, of course:

‘Gently to hear, kindly to judge our play.’”

The History Plays: Richard II, Henry IV and Henry V
by William Shakespeare, directed by Joseph Haj
March 23 – May 25
Wurtele Thrust Stage, The Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis
www.guthrietheater.org
(612) 377-2224