In honor of the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death, the Seoul Metropolitan Theatre is opening its 2016 season with a production of “Henry IV: Part I and II.”

“We are bringing back ‘Henry IV’ to the Seoul stage for the first time in 14 years,” said the play’s director Kim Gwang-bo, during a press conference at Sejong Arts Center in Seoul on Wednesday.

“The plot is about having an unrelenting appetite for power. I think it is a story that still fits and can be related to in today’s society. This year is the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, and to this day, his works are still treasured … I think he still has a tremendous impact on today’s generation.” 

The play revolves around Henry Bolingbroke who has just been crowned as King Henry IV. However, despite being on the throne he is unsatisfied with his reign and is wrecked by guilt about the removal of his royal predecessor Richard. He also has to deal with the hardships and upheavals in his kingdom.  

The upcoming Korean-language rendition of the tale will star local talent Kang Shin-gu as King Henry IV, Park Jung-bok as Prince Henry and Lee Chang-gik, 55, as Sir John Falstaff.

Director Kim noted that one of the reasons that it took more than a decade to restage “Henry IV” was that he was waiting for veteran actor Lee to age a bit, referring to him as “the only one who can pull off the role because of his girth and age.”

“I have played the role of Falstaff a number of times in the past,” Lee responded. “But at that time I was younger and although I had the voice for the role, I didn’t really look the part. But now that has changed.”  

Actor Kang is also no stranger to the character of Henry IV.

“Fourteen years earlier, I played the role of the prince in our last local production,” said Kang. “But now instead of the prince, I am returning as the king and I am honored that I have a chance to be a part of this production once again. To be honest, shifting roles from the prince to the king proved a lot more difficult than I had anticipated, but I have been working tirelessly these past months in hopes that I will be able to embody the role and mindset of King Henry IV.”

“Henry IV: Part I and II” will be staged at the Sejong M Theater from March 29 to April 14. Ticket prices range from 20,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information, visit www.sejongpac.or.kr.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)