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Drama Canadian

Shakespeare's Will

by (author) Vern Thiessen

Publisher
Playwrights Canada Press
Initial publish date
Jun 2007
Category
Canadian
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9780887547690
    Publish Date
    Jun 2007
    List Price
    $16.95
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9780369103260
    Publish Date
    Jun 2007
    List Price
    $12.99

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Description

An exploration of one of the most silent characters in history: Anne Hathaway, the wife of William Shakespeare.

The play sheds light on unexplored aspects of Hathaway's life by looking through the eyes and heart of the woman who spent a lifetime with—and without—the great poet. This work is the celebration of a life unbowed by tragedy and unapologetic in the face of public scorn.

About the author

Vern Thiessen is one of Canada's most produced playwrights. His plays have been seen across Canada, the UK, United States, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia, and have been translated into five languages. His works include Of Human Bondage, Vimy, Einstein's Gift (Governor General's Literary Award winner), Lenin's Embalmers (Governor General's Literary Award finalist), Apple, and Shakespeare's Will. He has been produced off-Broadway five times. Vern is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Dora and Sterling awards for Outstanding New Play, The Carol Bolt Award, the Gwen Pharis Ringwood Award, the City of Edmonton Arts Achievement Award, the University of Alberta Alumni Award of Excellence, The Canadian Jewish Playwriting Competition, and the Governor General's Literary Award for Drama, Canada's highest honour for a playwright. He was also a finalist for the Siminovich Prize in Playwriting. Vern received his B.A. from the University of Winnipeg and an M.F.A. from the University of Alberta. He has served as president of both the Playwrights Guild of Canada and the Writers Guild of Alberta. For six years he served as Artistic Director of Workshop West Playwrights Theatre, one of Canada's leading new play companies. He is married to acclaimed screenwriter and novelist Susie Moloney.

Vern Thiessen's profile page

Editorial Reviews

"Masterful. In theatre… it's rare that you get something that is unequivocally, indisputably great… Every so often something comes along that deserves to be gushed about. The hardest thing about reviewing it… is figuring out where to begin praising it..."

Vue Weekly

"...perceptive and beautifully written… when the text is as good as Thiessen's… you need little else besides."

The Globe and Mail

"...Thiessen has invented a complete life with tasteful imagination… The result is always gripping, frequently hilarious and ultimately very moving."

Toronto Star

"Strongly poetic… meticulously crafted, exquisitely nuanced..."

Edmonton Sun