Henry IV

See it if you're open to innovative interpretations of WS. All-female cast was strong, especially Walter. Prison setting was unnecessary distraction.

Don't see it if you like classic WS only. H4 was deeply cut...but still coherent & greatest lines preserved. Thrilling to see women in all the best roles.

Also I'm catching up on old reviews. I was captivated by H4 (I had missed the Julius Caesar, though...and didn't love The Tempest as much). The use of the prison concept interferred w the flow of the action. Still, the main speeches were beautifully delivered.... Read more Read less

See it if You want to see a non-traditional version of Shakespeare. You want a show w/political intrigue. You want to see great acting.

Don't see it if You don't like Shakespeare. You prefer more traditional interpretations of Shakespeare. You don't want to travel to Brooklyn.

See it if Enjoy seeing Shakespeare done with a fresh eye and high energy. Jade Anouk as Hotspur! Harriet Ward as King! Do review the plot beforehand.

Don't see it if You are new to the play (review the plot!) and if you can't sit for 2H 15 without a break.

See it if you want a different take on a classic: this is all female production in a prison. It works.

Don't see it if you insist on literally accurate interpretations of Shakespeare.

See it if u love Shakespeare & super acting. Harriet Walter starts things off brilliantly w/ her speech as King Henry IV's. 2 1/4 hours later you're

Don't see it if well into the chronicles portrayed here in the "Greater Tetralogy." Can't help a Readers' Digest-y feeling from time to time. It's aces!

See it if you appreciate Shakespeare's history plays and welcome a non-conventional approach to their casting and staging.

Don't see it if you're a Shakespeare traditionalist.

See it if You love contemporary, experimental productions of Shakespeare. Very well acted and staged.

Don't see it if You're looking for the traditional or can't handle an all-female cast.

See it if http://frontmezzjunkies.com/2015/12/09/theres-no-doubt-shes-henry-iv/

Don't see it if if you don't like shakespeare and prison drama

See it if Obviously great writing but the production was too gimmicky despite some very good acting. Many of the gimmicks obscured the basic theme.

Don't see it if You wish to see Shakespeare unalloyed and free of too many gimmicks.

See it if you look for original, unusual productions with a very specific point of view. All-female Shakespeare is unusual and to be celebrated.

Don't see it if you want a straight Bard production with no added layers of interpretation, or an unedited Henry. 2h15 with no intermission, forewarning.

See it if You like Shakespeare & want to see a truly unique production; you are interested in seeing a production based in a Woman's prison.

Don't see it if You have a small bladder, or if you have trouble sitting for too long. It's well over 2 hours with no intermission. Worth it, but pee first!

See it if Enjoyed the Donmar Julius Caesar, want to see an innovative but fully respectful production, would appreciate the mastery of Walter & Dunne

Don't see it if Can't see beyond the actors' gender to their humanity, looking for word-faithful Shakespeare or no Shakespeare at all, hate Chelsea FC

See it if You want to see a Henry IV that lends depth to both Kings. Phenomenal acting all around.

Don't see it if You don't have the money.

See it if you want to watch an outstanding Harriet Walter and female cast in a highly charged and original interpretation of Shakespeare.

Don't see it if you don't approve of ambitious directors messing with your Bard of Avon using gimmicks and a somewhat strained prison/power metaphor.

See it if You want to see a unique and thoroughly entertaining modern staging of a Shakespeare classic.

Don't see it if Modern staging matched with traditional Shakespearean dialogue turns you off.

See it if You love Shakespeare but also Orange is the New Black, you love a diverse all-female cast, you are a Harriet Walter or Donmar Warehouse fan

Don't see it if You don't like people messing with your Shakespeare, you can't handle strong women, you can't understand thick British accents.

See it if you want to hear clear diction and sometimes clarity of the Shakespeare text. Also if you enjoy watching experimental concepts, not working.

Don't see it if you're expecting a revelation. Presumably women prisoners doing Shakespeare, but the prison is never believable - and Shakespeare only okay

See it if You are excited by the all-female take on the play. This was done well and yielded some good performances and a few interesting moments.

Don't see it if You want good production values. You dislike meta-theatrical tinkering with the play.

See it if you want your "Henry" played a different way.

Don't see it if you saw this group's production last year and it wasn't your cup of tea.

See it if you like smart theater and you love Shakespeare

Don't see it if you prefer your Shakespeare traditional or have a fear of prisons.

See it if You love Shakespeare, you wish you loved Shakespeare, you're looking for something to make Shakespeare feel relevant

Don't see it if You're looking for a traditional staging of the play

See it if You are interested in seeing some masterful women play roles they are not normally afforded. You enjoy meta-theatrical devices.

Don't see it if You expect to fully understand the dynamics of the "play without a play" of the female prisoners themselves.

See it if fab actors are your thing

Don't see it if you don't like women

See it if you like Shakespeare in non-traditional settings, and are interested in plays about women in stressful circumstances

Don't see it if you only like your Shakespeare in period costume, or do not like gender neutral casting.

See it if Love new adaptations of Shakespeare featuring women!

Don't see it if Are a Shakespeare purist