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Overview

Synopsis

In 1605, Robert Cecil, prime minister to King James I of England, commissions William Shagspeare (Cain's spelling of Shakespeare) to write a play about the recent Gunpowder Plot -- an attempt to blow up the king and his court. The king simply requests that "Shag" add some flattering dialogue -- and witches -- to the plot. During the course of Bill Cain's play, Shagspeare and his company grapple with issues of artistry, politics, morality and -- perhaps most importantly -- life and death. If Shag accepts the commission, and the play inadvertently offends the king, both playwright and players could lose their heads. Shag must decide to what degree he is willing to equivocate about the truth, and how he can serve his king and still maintain his integrity, as an artist. This is a witty and poignant ensemble piece in which six actors play well over a dozen roles, some of which include snippets of Shakespeare's other plays-in-progress (one of which becomes the famous Macbeth.)

Show Information

Book
Bill Cain
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
2009
Genres
Drama, Dark Comedy, Historical/Biographical
Time & Place
london, england, 1605
Cast Size
small
Licensor
Dramatists Play Service
Ideal For
ensemble cast, Ensemble Cast, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Young Adult Characters, Small Cast

Context


Plot


Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

William "Shag" Shakespeare

Lead

Male

Spoken

Judith

Supporting

Female

Spoken

Richard/Father Henry Garnet/Various

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Nate/Robert Cecil/Various

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Sharpe/Tom Wintour/King James/Various

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Armin

Supporting

Male

Spoken

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

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Videos

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Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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