CHARGE! Agincourt by Back to Back Theatre

A new 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.

Inside the gallery

This gallery features immersive sensory elements including:

• Seating with embedded speakers that produce vibrations
• Wall surfaces designed to be touched
• Movable furniture that can be arranged to suit your needs

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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, the TAC, 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.