Today Jennifer Mustoe (JM) visits with Jon Liddiard about Creekside Theatre Fest‘s Henry V by William Shakespeare.
JM: What is the craziest or most creative way you can think of to summarize the plot of this production?
JL: The story of England‘s King Henry V’s conquest of France as told by William Shakespeare. It features some of the most famous speeches Shakespeare has ever written, and directly asks the audience to use their imagination to envision the times and places of the story. The craziest and most creative way to explain this story, is: Imagine Mr. Rogers used The Neighborhood of Make-Believe told the story of a King’s conquest of a nation and featured Statler and Waldorf and Animal from the muppets (Fluellen, Gower & McMorris); Piglet, Eeyore, and Tigger from Winnie the Pooh (Bardolf, Nym and Pistol); and Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen (Dauphin) from Dune.
JM: That is an interesting and exciting description!
JM: If you had to describe the process of putting on this show with one word, what would it be and why?
JL: Community – because this story cannot be told without an ensemble telling the story, a production team working together to bring it to life, and it’s a story about a community, a nation, coming together with a singular purpose.
JM: What is the most interesting, funny, wonderful thing you’ve learned while working on this production?
JL: This play continues to be performed because the story and relationship between characters can be found in so many places. I’m amazed that Shakespeare is able to use heightened language to convey the most human of experiences, and that his words continue to illuminate and expound the human condition.
JM: What do you do right before each performance to get ready? Right after each performance?
JL: As a director, I check in with my actors, and ensure that they are ready to perform, and that any questions are answered. Right after each performance, I sit in the moment of the imagined space ending, and feel gratitude that we get to tell this story.
JM: What is your favorite part of the play?
JL: I love that Fluellen is so obsessed with making sure that war is fought the RIGHT way, that he calls others to task, and passes out demerits when they don’t meet his expectations. War is so irrational that his being upset that it’s not done correctly just points out the irony–especially because his intentions are so pure.
JM: What is your favorite aspect of this production?
JL: The community storytelling. It takes all of the performers, and asks us as an audience to imagine together with the performers.
JM: Tell us about your cast.
JL: They are an amazing group of performers of all backgrounds and experiences. I’m so delighted by their support of each other, and the way that they have worked together with sincerity and care.
JM: What is your background and training as a director?
JL: I’ve been directing for the past 10 years. I have a BFA and MFA in Acting, and have performed all over the USA. I am an educator, performer and director.
JM: What is the biggest challenge of directing in general?
JL: Time and money. There is always a need for more time to refine something, and for more money to be able to bring your vision to life.
JM: What is the biggest challenge of directing this show?
JL: Because it is a history that features battles and war, it took extra effort and time to choreograph and stage the stage combat. I was grateful for the assistance of Dylan Wright who helped with the Henry V and Dauphin sword fight.
JM: What are the surprises and delights you’re finding in directing this show?
JL: How the performers continue to find new meaning in the words and language, and use it to connect to each other, and their audience.
JM: Is there anything else you would like to tell us about this project?
JL: I’m delighted that I had a chance to direct for Creekside again, and that this project has been incredibly rewarding.
JM: Thank you so much for spending time with us and sharing information about your wonderful production. It sounds amazing!
June 21, 25, 26, 30, 2025
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