Shakespeare’s work has proven timeless — PlayMakers Repertory Company is looking to take advantage of that.
On July 13, PlayMakers announced it had received two grants totaling $125,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts for their upcoming season’s productions of Shakespeare’s “Henry IV” and “Henry V.”
The initial grant makes PlayMakers one of three theater companies awarded the largest sum — $100,000 — for the upcoming season.
“It is a huge statement of how they view us and the excellence in the work we are able to put out,” said Joseph Haj, PlayMakers artistic director.
Hannah Grannemann, PlayMakers managing director, said the grant will be dedicated to the upcoming productions.
The additional $25,ooo was awarded as part of the “Shakespeare for a New Generation” program held by the NEA in conjunction with Arts Midwest.
“If we had not received these grants, we would not be doing as much outreach, and we would not be making as spectacular production elements as we will be,” Grannemann said.
Both plays are set in the early 1400s. “Henry IV” focuses on war and succession of the crown in England, while “Henry V” focuses on England’s conquest of France, Haj said.
“These plays are 400 years old and they still speak in such a relevant and immediate way to our current moment,” Haj said.
