A new immersive exhibition by Geelong’s acclaimed contemporary performance company Back to Back Theatre brings fresh perspective to the story of Henry V.
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’s led by the company’s ensemble of actors who are perceived to have intellectual disabilities: 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.
Fast Facts
- Variable size, minimum 60-70 running meters or 150-200sqm.
- 1x Single channel projection, 4K, large scale film. Running time: 23 mins.
- Audio visual equipment provided, including ready to play subtitled files and playback equipment.
- Custom-made seating with embedded speakers producing sound vibrations.
- Digital assets for exhibition text and didactics + Braille interpretation.
- MarComms kit and visual identity, with approved assets for tour.
- ACMI project delivery and technical support.
Tour Schedule
- Geelong Arts Centre
28 May – 22 Jun 2026 - Bendigo Art Gallery
20 Aug - 13 Dec 2026
Available now.
Curious? Email us: touringinfo@acmi.net.au
About Back to Back Theatre
Back to Back Theatre is an internationally-renowned contemporary performance company based in Geelong Victoria. The company creates work that “questions the assumptions of what is possible in theatre, but also the assumptions we hold about ourselves”.
This innovative and inclusive company has won prestigious awards including the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement in Theatre as part of the 2024 Venice Biennale.
Other resources
Educational Resources
Download the synopsis and discussion points:
Charge! Agincourt by Back to Back Theatre- synopsis and discussion points 29.2 KB docx
Charge! Agincourt by Back to Back Theatre- synopsis and discussion points 159.6 KB pdf
ACMI Collection – Agincourt by Back to Back Theatre
Learn more about ACMI’s exciting new commission Agincourt.
In the press
Back to Back Theatre tackles an epic Shakespearian conflict
4 July 2025
“The idea of staging an epic conflict in such a playful way seems outrageous, but there is a mythic quality to the work – the call to arms, the messy scrabbling, the physicality – that transcends the silliness.”
Kate Hunter, The Conversation
Groundbreaking Back to Back Theatre transforms Shakespeare in immersive new show
21 May 2025
“A new exhibition by Geelong’s acclaimed contemporary performance company brings fresh perspective to the story of Henry V.” beat magazine
Acknowledgements
Back to Back Theatre’s Agincourt is an ACMI Commission, generously supported by Rachel Griffiths and Andrew Taylor.
Back to Back Theatre gratefully acknowledges Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund – an Australian Government Initiative, the Transport Accident Commission TAC, City of Greater Geelong, Deakin University, GDP Industries and Creative Partnerships Australia through its Plus1 Initiative for supporting the project.
Back to Back Theatre is supported by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body, the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, the City of Greater Geelong and the Anthony Costa Foundation.