Old Globe Achieves Shakespeare Milestone with ‘Henry 6,’ Invites Community to Celebrate

The Old Globe Theatre‘s “H6: The Experience,” is centered around this year’s Summer Shakespeare Festival production, Henry 6, a world premiere adaptation.

Events in “H6” celebrate a unique accomplishment as the Old Globe becomes one of only a “small handful” of theaters in the country to complete Shakespeare’s canon. In addition, Henry 6 is the largest Shakespearean production the Old Globe ever has presented.

Henry 6, adapted and directed by the theater’s artistic director, Barry Edelstein, is based on Henry VI, Parts I, II, and III, depicting the clash of two ruling families of England, the Yorks and the Lancasters.

It will be staged at the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre in two parts, with One: Flowers and France bowing June 30 and Two: Riot and Reckoning opening July 9.

“H6: The Experience” features a variety of interactive events and workshops in June and throughout the runs of the plays, including “Every Way Complete,” an installation on Copley Plaza showcasing nearly 90 years of Shakespeare in Balboa Park.

Edelstein, together with his Globe artistic team and the theater’s Arts Engagement Department, aimed to incorporate a community component into Henry 6.

The production features contributions from nearly 1,000 San Diegans, some acting in filmed crowd scenes integrated into the show’s action and others in live walk-on roles. Some designed props and set pieces that will be seen onstage or recorded sound effects and sang choral material in the musical score.

“Producing this show not only completes the canon for the Old Globe but also celebrates the decades of work we have done in the community using Shakespearean text as a creative catalyst and a means to bring communities together,” said Director of Arts Engagement Adena Varner.

“H6” events include a dance workshop at 5:30 p.m. Monday with Henry 6 choreographer Chelsey Arce and “Fight Call on the Plaza” on July 18 with fight choreographer Jacob Grigolia-Rosenbaum – and a chance to join in a fight sequence with members of the company.

In addition, “Every Way Complete” opens on June 30 and there will be multiple speakers, seminars and post-show forums during the runs of the plays.

The first part of Henry 6 continues through Sept. 14 and the second through Sept. 15.