“What a piece of work is man!” I know: wrong play, right? In my life lately,
I’ve had many experiences that now bring these words from Hamlet to mind. “What a piece of work is a man! How
noble in reason, how infinite in faculty! In form and moving how express and
admirable! In action how like an Angel! In apprehension how like a god!”
I keep company in circles
filled with talent, brilliance, skill, and wisdom. One such circle is the Grassroots Shakespeare
Company. And one such person (although I didn’t know him
personally) was William Shakespeare (depending on which historian you listen
to). The brilliance of the text sparks
our imaginations and moves our hearts as both actors and audience. We find our
humanity within the play. Finding my own
humanity as I play Henry is an experience that feels at once both natural and
demanding. I feel simultaneously
connected to him and at odds with him. 
This is my second time as
Henry—once as Prince Hal, in Henry IV
part II, and now later in his life as King Henry V. Through much of his story, Hal seems
irresponsible, careless, and wholly unworthy of the mantle of the king. Eventually, however, the death of his father,
more than any other factor, causes a dramatic turnaround in Hal. He shuns his former company of drunkards and
low-lives, takes on the responsibilities of a ruler, and comes to love the
people of England more than even his own life.
As we rehearse, I find the
King to be…ferocious—something I did not find in the Prince. One of Hal’s major hurdles was his selfish
joviality and wasteful idleness. Now we
find a noble king, devoted to God and to his subjects, but lacking the
confidence and experience to be sure-footed in his leadership. Henry V,
for me, is the story of Hal’s growth into a true leader. One who receives council from trusted
advisors. One who serves, more than
rules, his subjects. Certainly, he’s not a perfect man. But he’s a man who has come to understand who
he is, and who his people are and could be. Again, as I see the potential of
human beings, I remember the words of Hamlet:
“What a piece of work is a man! How noble in reason, how infinite in faculty! In form and moving how express and admirable! In action how like an Angel! In apprehension how like a god!”
About Jason Sullivan:
Jason is excited and grateful to be back with Grassroots this summer--especially to play Henry once again. A graduate of the UVU Theatrical arts program, some of Jason’s favorite acting credits include Hutter in UVU’s “Nosferatu”, Mr. Holloway in UVU’s “Something Wiked This Way Comes” and Petruchio in Grassroots’ “Taming of the Shrew”. In his rare free time, Jason enjoys art, mountain biking, and camping.
***Check out this video featuring Jason Sullivan then come and see our shows! Details at www.grassrootsshakespeare.com and our Facebook Event. ***
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