Fans of Shakespeare will find much to like in the local production of Shakespeare, his wife and the dog, the acclaimed British play featured at the Broad Theatre in Santa Monica.
Playing through January 28th, which debuted at the 2014 Edinburgh festival to critical acclaim, examines (as best it can), the private life of the world’s greatest playwright.
Set on the Bard’s last night of life, we see Shakespeare returned to Stratford a rich and famous man. But all’s not well. Why is he so unhappy? Why can’t he sleep? Why is his wife furious with him? And where is their dog?
As the evening unfolds the secrets, lies, resentments and passions of a marriage are laid bare.
Academics have pondered for two centuries just what kind of man was Shakespeare, thanks mainly to the maddeningly-small amount we know about his personal life. For all his brilliance as an artist, the man remains elusive. Who did he really love? Was he unfaithful, was he gay? Why did he leave home for London? How did he become an actor… a writer? How could he write these brilliant plays without a university education? Did he like a pint? Was he kind to animals? Shakespeare was married to Anne for 36 years, and they had three children together. Starring Sally Edwards as Anne and Philip Whitchurch as Will, (pictured, above) the Edinburgh Review said of the play: “Not only is Shakespeare, his wife and the dog a treat for all theatre aficionados, it is also clever, emotional and wonderfully acted. This is not just for Shakepeare geeks, it is at once funny and serious, an exploration of history and fame, but also a poignant portrait of a relationship that is warm, human and extremely satisfying.”
For tickets, visit www.thebroadstage.org or call 310 434-3200.
