A ‘Henry V’ that takes to the hills

The hills are alive with the sounds and sights of warfare in the Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival’s “Henry V.” As the youthful English monarch’s leadership skills are tested and honed in a grueling military campaign, director John Slade skillfully uses the scenic Cal Lutheran University outdoor setting to bring epic sweep to the Bard’s action-packed historical drama.

The battle scenes spill onto the sloping lawn behind the stage and flanking the audience, adding depth and dimensionality to the unfolding action. Even a fortuitous bridge connecting another part of the park lends itself to an appropriate skirmish in the text.

Slade’s facility with the story and characters proves equally assured, making the most of a talented cast that includes seven Equity artists; Anne Lockhart, Kevin P. Kern and Robert Nairn excel in multiple roles. There are occasional distractions when some supporting cast members deliver French accents as if their mouths were stuffed with freedom fries. Nevertheless, the David-and-Goliath story of Henry (Brett Elliott) and his miraculous conquest of rival France is fast-paced and easy to follow, making the show an excellent entree to Shakespeare for younger viewers.

The dramatic challenge in this portrait of an idolized king is the title character’s lack of internal conflict. Unlike Shakespeare’s more fully realized heroes, Henry is tested by events in the outside world rather than his own flaws.

A tall, commanding presence, Elliott plays Henry’s moral and emotional cards close to the vest -- this is the story of the making of a master politician, not a human being. His contradictory actions (ruthlessly killing prisoners of war at one moment, upholding the sanctity of the conquered populace at another, even his brutal repudiation of friends from his rowdy youth) are acts of expediency rather than conviction.

A chance to humanize Henry a bit is missed in the epilogue, during his wooing of the French princess (Haley White). Kenneth Branagh’s film version introduced a charming nervous deference in Henry toward the father of his intended, even though he had just beaten him in battle. Here, Elliott’s courtship is relentlessly smug -- a choice, not a violation of the text, showing that director Slade is less affectionate and more guarded in his stance toward this charismatic leader whose hands are steeped in blood.

*

‘Henry V’

Where: Kingsmen Park at California Lutheran University, 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks

When: 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday and July 30 through Aug. 1. Ends Aug. 1.

Price: General lawn seating: adults, $8; ages 18 and under, free; limited box seating, $35 and $50.

Contact: (805) 493-3455

Running time: 2 hours,

40 minutes