England’s Henry V arrives at a factory: he sees thousands of French warriors ready to take up arms against his depleted and tired troops. With not much more than stirring words, he leads his people through a battle that represents the tragedy and extremities of war. But beyond the cardboard armour and din of battle – who are these soldiers? If we see them as individuals, what more can we understand about them?

Globally renowned Back to Back Theatre brings its unique vision to Shakespeare’s timeless story of Henry V in Agincourt (named after the play’s pivotal battle), the latest in the company’s expansive body of screen-based works. Directed by Bruce Gladwin, with cinematography from Rhian Hinkley, Agincourt builds on iconic adaptations from cinema history, including Laurence Olivier’s Technicolor take in 1944, Kenneth Branagh’s grittier 1989 effort and Timothée Chalamet’s turn in The King (2019). It is led by the company’s ensemble of actors who identify as having an intellectual disability: Sarah Mainwaring, Simon Laherty, Scott Price, Grace Kenny, Nathan Legg and Jessica Walker, with contributions from over 100 community members, bringing a new perspective to a story we thought we knew.

Back to Back Theatre’s Agincourt is an ACMI Commission, generously supported by Rachel Griffiths and Andrew Taylor.

Free exhibition, no booking required.