Henry V (original) (raw)
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Edward Hall
Courtyard Theater
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Edward Hall
Courtyard Theater
Run Time: 2 hours, 45 minutes (including intermission)
Audience Notice: Scenes depicting violence, including the use of prop weaponry & stage blood; fog, haze, & incense; & brief moments of flashing lights & loud sound effects
Associate Production Sponsors: Sandy Sweet and Mira Frohnmayer, Nicholas and Mary Babson Fund to Support Chicago Actors, and Anstiss and Ronald Krueck Stage Design Fund
“Highly creative, pulsing, never‑dull-for-a‑second with zestful performances from a deeply committed cast”
“An exceptional ensemble cast. Elijah Jones’ Harry seems capable of seeing through people, out-smarting some & connecting with others.”
–Chicago Sun-Times
Combat. Duty. Valor. Honor. What does it mean to prove your worth? Following his groundbreaking production of Richard III, Artistic Director Edward Hall now turns to Shakespeare’s gripping tale that illuminates the capacity of language to inspire and transform. Hall examines the seductive, dangerous consequences of nationalism in the hands of an ambitious young king. Leading a powerhouse ensemble cast, Elijah Jones makes his CST debut in the title role. The thrill and power of war fuels the king’s resolve—and delivers a captivating night of theater you won’t forget.
With more than 475,000 veterans living in Illinois, CST is offering a FREE “In Service” Conversation Series, to explore the role we all can play in supporting the men and women who have served our country.
Students, young professionals, and theater lovers under age 30 can sign up for $30 Under 30 to access world‑class theater at an everyday price.
7:00 PM/ Thursday , Sep 19
7:00 PM/ Friday , Sep 20
2:00 PM/ Saturday , Sep 21
Pre•Amble
7:00 PM/ Saturday , Sep 21
2:00 PM/ Sunday , Sep 22
Pre•Amble
1:00 PM/ Wednesday , Sep 25
Post-show Discussion
7:00 PM/ Wednesday , Sep 25
1:00 PM/ Thursday , Sep 26
Post-show Discussion
7:00 PM/ Thursday , Sep 26
7:00 PM/ Friday , Sep 27
2:00 PM/ Saturday , Sep 28
“In Service” Conversation
7:00 PM/ Saturday , Sep 28
“In Service” Conversation
2:00 PM/ Sunday , Sep 29
Pre•Amble
7:00 PM/ Tuesday , Oct 1
1:00 PM/ Wednesday , Oct 2
Post-show Discussion
7:00 PM/ Wednesday , Oct 2
7:00 PM/ Thursday , Oct 3
2:00 PM/ Saturday , Oct 5
“In Service” Conversation
7:00 PM/ Saturday , Oct 5
“In Service” Conversation
Tickets Available
Limited Availability
Multiple Performances
Sold Out
Run Time: 2 hours, 45 minutes (including intermission)
Audience Notice: Scenes depicting violence, including the use of prop weaponry & stage blood; fog, haze, & incense; & brief moments of flashing lights & loud sound effects
Associate Production Sponsors: Sandy Sweet and Mira Frohnmayer, Nicholas and Mary Babson Fund to Support Chicago Actors, and Anstiss and Ronald Krueck Stage Design Fund
7:00 PM/ Thursday , Sep 19
7:00 PM/ Friday , Sep 20
2:00 PM/ Saturday , Sep 21
Pre•Amble
7:00 PM/ Saturday , Sep 21
2:00 PM/ Sunday , Sep 22
Pre•Amble
1:00 PM/ Wednesday , Sep 25
Post-show Discussion
7:00 PM/ Wednesday , Sep 25
1:00 PM/ Thursday , Sep 26
Post-show Discussion
7:00 PM/ Thursday , Sep 26
7:00 PM/ Friday , Sep 27
2:00 PM/ Saturday , Sep 28
“In Service” Conversation
7:00 PM/ Saturday , Sep 28
“In Service” Conversation
2:00 PM/ Sunday , Sep 29
Pre•Amble
7:00 PM/ Tuesday , Oct 1
1:00 PM/ Wednesday , Oct 2
Post-show Discussion
7:00 PM/ Wednesday , Oct 2
7:00 PM/ Thursday , Oct 3
2:00 PM/ Saturday , Oct 5
“In Service” Conversation
7:00 PM/ Saturday , Oct 5
“In Service” Conversation
Tickets Available
Limited Availability
Multiple Performances
Sold Out
“Elijah Jones’s power & charisma [gives] a wholly original, engrossing take on a well-known figure.”
–Talkin’ Broadway
“Explosive, contemporary staging of a riveting soldier’s war story… exhilarating moments of brotherhood, humor, song & stirring special effects.”
–PicksInSix
“In the lead, Elijah Jones displays incredible range. He is in command of his troops and the show.”
–The Fourth Walsh
“Elijah Jones is a remarkably charismatic actor with a powerful voice, a presence who commands every scene he’s in.”
–Newcity
“In the lead, Elijah Jones displays incredible range. He is in command of his troops and the show.”
–The Fourth Walsh
“Elijah Jones is a remarkably charismatic actor with a powerful voice, a presence who commands every scene he’s in.”
–Newcity
Daphne Manuela Agosin Orellana
Assistant Lighting Designer
Forrest Gregor
Assistant Sound Designer
Philippa Lawford
Directing Apprentice
Caroline Uy
Production Assistant
Daphne Manuela Agosin Orellana
Assistant Lighting Designer
Forrest Gregor
Assistant Sound Designer
Philippa Lawford
Directing Apprentice
Caroline Uy
Production Assistant
Spotlight
From the Director “It is endlessly fascinating for a modern audience to be taken into the inner sanctum of power.” Artistic Director Edward Hall compares Elizabethan spectators to today’s consumption of TV dramas like The West Wing, Succession, and The Crown. 
“In Service” Conversations Expanding on the themes of honor, valor, and repercussions of war in Henry V, these FREE discussions shed light on issues and opportunities our active service members and veterans encounter, exploring the role we all can play to support them. 
FREE Pre•Ambles Before select Saturday & Sunday performances, join us for scholarly conversations led by Stephen Bennett, Ph.D. and Regina Buccola, Ph.D. that examine the play & interpretive choices made by the director & creative team. 
Get Involved More than 475,000 veterans live in Illinois. We are grateful for their commitment to our country, and invite you to learn more about organizations whose work is rooted in uplifting and supporting service men and women as they transition to civilian life. 
Legend & Reality Who was Henry V? Read as author & Shakespeare scholar Roger Warren examines the Bard’s fictional characterization of the historical English monarch, from a private man charmed with wit & humor, to a practical & efficient politician & leader. 
Remembering Stories of the veteran experience are a key part of Henry V. Read the heartfelt essay by Cam McMillan, who served as a field artillery officer in the Massachusetts Army National Guard and deployed to Iraq in 2021 as part of Operation Inherent Resolve. 
Music and Design “Designing an epic like Henry V can be an assault course.” Hear from the creative team of designers about the exciting challenges of dressing soldiers and royals, incorporating the music of The Clash & The Sex Pistols, and bringing the battlefield to the stage.