The sword can be mightier than the pentheater

More Die Hard than Hamlet, more action than introspection, Shakespeare's Henry V is a big, brawny and often bloody tale of men at war, and the price paid for victory in battle.

A production of the play, presented by the Occasional Theatre Company, opens Friday at the Imperial Theatre, 745 Broad St.

"The play is really about struggles," said Gloria Dossett, the Occasional production's director. "It's about campaign struggles and inner struggles. I think that's why it lends itself so well to modern audiences. I mean, there are Hamlet people and not-Hamlet people, but Henry V is a play for everyone."

Henry V represents a real production challenge with its large cast, extensive stage combat and, in the case of the Occasional Theatre Company production, elaborate sets and costumes.

"It's a lot like a large musical," said Jayson Akridge, who plays the role of Henry in the production. "I mean, in terms of a straight theater piece, without singing and dancing, the scale is almost unheard of."

Ms. Dossett estimated that cast and crew would number about 60, with half appearing in the climactic Battle of Agincourt.

"We've been working on the fighting for about 2 months now," Mr. Akridge said. "We've really had to. I mean, in that one massive melee scene, there are 30 people on stage swinging their swords at each other. It's been like having two rehearsal cycles - one for acting and one for fighting."

Faced with the daunting prospect of staging such a large production in Augusta, Ms. Dossett admitted that Henry attendance would dictate how future Occasional Theatre Company productions might be mounted.

"To be honest with you, it's terrifying," she said. "I mean, if people don't come out for this, we'll never be able to do something like it again. If people don't come, I'll have my marching instructions for the future."

Still, Ms. Dossett and her cast feel confident that Henry's all-action approach to the Bard will find acceptance.

"Sure, this has train-wreck potential all over it," said Douglas Halley Jr., who plays multiple roles in the production. "But it could also succeed.

"I mean, if you're going to sell a movie, sell an action flick, That's what this is."

Reach Steven Uhles at (706) 823-3626 or steven.uhles@augustachronicle.com.

Henry V

WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: The Imperial Theatre, 745 Broad St.

COST: $10.50-$25.50. Call 722-8341.