Awaken the Henry Within

William Shakespeare’s plays are well known for their sad soliloquies and tragic endings, and mothers sleeping with their sons, and men dressed as women. But some folks might not appreciate the fact that the Bard also knew how to write stirring, badass, motivational speeches. They can be found mostly in his famous play Henry V, which will be performed Friday at New Theatre. Young Henry wants to lead his army into battle, but his inexperienced soldiers are disheartened and frightened. He then does his best to get his guys to grow a pair by saying things like, “Men of few words are the best men,” and “Imitate the action of the tiger!” But nothing is more stirring than his Saint Crispin’s Day speech, in which he rallies his troops to kick some serious French ass. The men indeed beat the crap out of the enemy, and Henry is rewarded with the French princess as his bride. Suck on that, Tony Robbins!

Fridays, Saturdays, 8 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 28, 1 p.m. Starts: Aug. 26. Continues through Sept. 10, 2011