Today’s Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025

Show Title: Henry VI, Part 2

Director: Mili Koncelik

Staff Crew: Sarah Clayton and Sara Bateman (RDAs); Madeleine Cook and Allison Monfalcone (Interns)

What we did

To heighten morale for campers’ second rehearsal of the day, we started with a fun game of EastEnders. What’s EastEnders, you ask? It’s a game similar to the classic theatre warm-up called Zip Zap Zop, except faster, with more options, and, of course, the most outrageously British accents and phrases. Mili, our director, then, I would say, enlightened (rather than saying she talked at them) the campers on her specific directing style and expectations. We then began tablework by splitting off into scenes, and campers sought to understand their lines and the context by—hilariously—paraphrasing. Finally, to round off a very successful rehearsal, we ended with another round of Eastenders….that’s pretty WANKERS!!

Quick and Quotable

• From the director 

• • • “But I don’t think you’d go too hard on her, cause he’s like ‘but I’m scared, I’m a babe’.” Mili talking about Henry VI

• From the cast 

• • “So, basically, I’ve got Henry boxed in.” – Sanchez explaining York’s claim
  • “I like telling Warwick to shut up” -Marcy as Beaufort
    • “I don’t like people telling Warwick to shut up” – Hudson as Warwick
  • “This youngster, this youngblood, this child who knows nothing but the bible…” – Sanchez about Henry VI

Production Insights 

Sometimes we treat understanding Shakespeare like it’s an impossible task reserved for only the most sophisticated and intellectual minds. But these kids prove otherwise! They not only grasped some pretty hefty monologues about bloodlines and villainous schemes, but they also turned around and paraphrased them with hilarious flair. It’s easy to forget how funny Shakespeare can be—his writing is full of absurdity, wit, and drama. Watching young people dive into it with enthusiasm reminds me that Shakespeare isn’t some untouchable literary god—he’s kind of a goof, and that’s part of the joy.