『헨리 4세, 2부』의 재평가--영국 국립극장의 2005년 공연을 중심으로

Abstract

The National Theatre's 2005 productions of Henry IV, Part 1 and Henry IV, Part 2, directed by Nicholas Hytner, adequately dispel many critics' prejudice against Part 2 as a work inferior to Part 1. They regard Part 2 either as a superfluous repetition of Part 1, or as a work lacking powerful dramatic conflict. However, Hytner's productions prove that Part 2 is indispensable for the overall structure of the two parts. Part 2 not only concludes the action of Part 1, but also resolves many themes of the two parts--Hal's growth as a king, Hal's relationship with Henry IV, Hal's rejection of Falstaff, restoration of national order and peace, etc.--dramatically, movingly, and convincingly. Hytner's production of Part 2 also adds psychological depth and complexity to the major characters of the two parts. Moreover, Hytner's production of Part 2 highlights the profound themes of old age, illness, and death evoking a sense of pathos and inevitable fate. This production shows that if Part 1 is a combination of history and comedy, Part 2 adds a touch of tragedy to it. Furthermore, Hytner's production of Part 2 shows a full panorama of national life, vividly describing contemporary Elizabethan life in town and country. It also makes much use of its minor characters, thus showing more balanced and variegated characterization than in Part 1. In sum, Hytner's production of Part 2 proves that the play, with thematic depth, psychological subtlety, and scenic variety, portrays human life more thoughtfully and more comprehensively than Part 1. Hytner's production establishes Part 2 as an indispensable part of Shakespeare's vast epic of English history.