Henry IV cast members: Marla Burkholder, Brian Ratcliffe, Brian Anthony Wilson and Jennifer Kidwell. (Photo by Jen Cleary/Shakespeare in Clark Park Facebook page)

The awesome people who bring Shakespeare plays to Clark Park every summer have prepared something of epic proportions this year. Shakespeare in Clark Park (SCP) is teaming up with Team Sunshine Performance Corporation (TSPC) for an unprecedented collaboration featuring a five-night production of Shakespeare’s HENRY IV, intimate pre-show events at the Gojjo and a nightly conversation station in the park.

The play, titled HENRY IV: YOUR PRINCE AND MINE, combines aspects of both Henry IV: Parts 1 and 2, and features a community army of over 100 soldiers, selected during a multi-month open call. The army encompasses a diverse array of folks, ranging in age from 13-59, and representing 36 neighborhoods. The production also stars leading performers of stage and film including Brian Anthony Wilson, Charlie DelMarcelle, and Brian Ratcliffe, and is directed by TSPC’s Co-Founder and Resident Director, Alex Torra.

The shows are scheduled for July 30 – August 3, beginning at 7 p.m.

In addition to the five performances in Clark Park, the project also includes free community activities, intended to “offer extended insight into the play and deepen personal connections between the audience and the work.”

Gojjo Bar (4540 Baltimore) hosts the Pub Prelude before all performances, starting at 5:30 p.m.. It’s a funny and personal introduction to the evening’s event, inspired by the alcohol-fueled pub scenes of HENRY IV. This event is also free but pre-registration is required. Go to shakespeareinclarkpark.org to register.

Finally, interested folks are invited to participate in a discussion about the play and the process of creating the production. “A Conversation Station” will be held in the park during rehearsals on July 13, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29, and before each performance.

The Shakespeare in Clark Park website has lots more useful information about the production and the community events, so we encourage everyone to visit it.

If you need a reminder of what HENRY IV is about, here’s a summary presented by SCP:

“Two young rebels and a king: Harry “Hotspur” Percy is mounting a rebellion to defend the honor of his family against the callous power of his uncle, King Henry IV. Prince Hal is recklessly drinking away his legitimate authority as heir to the throne, presiding with his charmingly roguish friend Falstaff over a small kingdom of drunkards and thieves at the Boar’s Head Tavern. King Henry IV enlists his son to quash the rebellion in a single battle. In epic style, forces will clash on the battlefield and in the hearts of all three men.”