SHOW AND TELL.(Henry IV, Part 1; Henry IV, Part 2; Anna in the Tropics)(Theater Review)

John Lahr discusses Shakespeare's genius

Dakin Matthews's adaptation of "Henry IV" (at Lincoln Center's Vivian Beaumont Theatre, under the direction of Jack O'Brien) stuffs Shakespeare's two-part chronicle of the wayward Prince Hal's succession to his troubled father's throne into one almost four-hour evening--a hero sandwich of sorts. It's fast food for thought, but tasty nonetheless. As a study of public and private rebellion, "Henry IV" is as savvy today as it was when the first part was minted, in the winter of 1596. It is fascinating now, as it must have been then, to watch the forces of politics and play contend with each other. Henry IV (the expert Richard ...