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.
🔗
https://www.acmi.net.au/whats-on/charge-b2b-theatre/
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.
----
📍 Gallery 3, Ground Floor
ACMI, Fed Square
📅 Tue 17 Jun - Sun 1 Feb 2026, 10am – 5pm daily
----
Image credit: Back to Back Theatre, 'Agincourt' (2024). Photo by Jeff Busby
----
ACMI acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waterways of greater Melbourne, the people of the Kulin Nation, and recognise that ACMI is located on the lands of the Wurundjeri people.
We also acknowledge First Nations people as the original storytellers of this land and recognise their significant contribution to the contemporary moving image.
You may also like the following events from ACMI:
Also check out other
Arts events in Melbourne,
Theatre events in Melbourne,
Exhibitions in Melbourne.
