Shakespeare in Love
by Lee Hall, Marc Norman, and Tom Stoppard
Directed by Johanna Spencer
Play Synopsis
From Concord: “Young Will Shakespeare has writer's block. The deadline for his new play is fast approaching, but he's in desperate need of inspiration. That is, until he finds his muse... the feisty, brilliant and beautiful Viola. This crafty young woman is Will’s greatest admirer and will stop at nothing (including breaking the law) to appear in his next play. Against a bustling background of mistaken identity, ruthless scheming and backstage theatrics, Will’s love for Viola quickly blossoms, inspiring him to write his greatest romantic masterpiece.”
Vision Statement
Shakespeare in Love is truly a love letter to theater and those that are in love with it. Even though it was first a movie, the story is about live theater and belongs on the stage in front of an audience. Even though it seems steeped in history it is a modern allegory on love and theater and the players who make their life there. After the isolation our community in the mid valley has experienced, we are hungry for a story about relationships and passion. There are swashbuckling sword fights, hilarious comedy and Shakespearean puns and ultimately, the power of women. We will explore the themes of inspiration provided by a muse for creatives, the determination and will (Will) of a woman without power and the lengths she will go to to get what she wants and, love and its ability to transform a person and provide a new path forward.
I've always been a fan of Tom Stoppard and was so excited to first see the film in the 90's. When I learned there was a stage version. I couldn't wait to read it and instantly fell in love with the strong women characters and the fast paced storyline. So similar to Shakespeare in many ways; detailed and thrilling with love at the center. With Will at the center he will move through his world struggling to find his own creativity and ultimately, like all of us, he will find the inspiration in the people and characters around him.
Supplemental Materials