The Legacy of William Shakespeare

The Book of Will

Lauren Gunderson’s historical drama is filled with information, warmth and a lot of unexpected humor.  The play was inspired by the true story behind the creation of Shakespeare’s inclusive First Folio. Still missing their friend, several of his peers gathered at a pub shortly after the Bard’s passing to remember him and mourn his death. They knew that there would never be any more beautifully poetic plays and poems from his pen. Even sadder, most of Shakespeare’s scripts had been destroyed in a fire. Only the great actor, Richard Burbage, a man who had played all of Shakespeare’s leading roles, remembered each word of every play. But, alas, Burbage wasn’t immortal either. Wouldn’t it be wonderful, the friends imagine, if somehow all of Shakespeare’s plays could be recovered and published, exactly as he wrote them? And if the more than 30 plays could appear in one, complete volume, how thrilling would that be for the Theatre World?

This exquisite play is a love letter to the genius and legacy of William Shakespeare, arguably the greatest English language playwright. It’s also a testament to the devotion and dedication of dear friends. Based upon historical fact, this comedic drama is largely the product of Lauren Gunderson’s creative imagination. But at that time, many of the Bard’s plays had only previously been printed in a series of quartos, (small, inexpensive scripts). They weren’t particularly accurate or true to the original scripts. Finally, in 1623, after a great deal of effort and difficulty, the publication of Shakespeare’s First Folio appeared. It contained 36 of his finest histories, dramas and comedies. Only PERICLES and THE TWO NOBLE KINSMEN were excluded from this comprehensive volume. Gunderson’s colorful, fictionalized account describes how and why this publication eventually took place. It was all thanks to the passion and dedication of Shakespeare’s most faithful friends.

When William Shakespeare wrote and performed in Elizabethan London the theatre was very different. There was no artificial lighting, so plays could only be performed during the daytime. By law, women were forbidden to appear on stage, thus all the female roles were played by boys and young men. There were no costumes; actors performed in their own clothing, although sometimes a robe or crown might be added to indicate royalty. The actors were given only “sides,” or pages of the dialogue specific to their own characters. An actual, full script of an entire play was as rare as hen’s teeth. This prevented plagiarism, a common occurrence in the publishing industry at that time. Sometimes a seasoned actor, following a long career of playing so many roles, might’ve committed an entire comedy or tragedy to his memory. However, when that actor died, the memory of that play accompanied him to the grave.

Actor John Heminges, with the assistance of his devoted daughter Alice and wife Rebecca, worked together with fellow Thespian and dear friend Henry Condell, along with his wife Elizabeth, to locate all of Shakespeare’s works, and prepare them for publication. They all went to extraordinary lengths—searching, bartering, begging and befriending former 

enemies— all to achieve their mission. This included Heminges and Condell swallowing their pride and meeting with shady printer and script publisher, William Jaggard. Fortunately the men also became acquainted with his more pleasant and rational son, Isaac. Henry Condell even humbled himself and visited wealthy Emilia Lanier, thought to be the “Dark Lady” of Shakespeare’s sonnets. He requested the financial aid from her required for completing the project. Finally, once the First Folio became a reality, the two men called upon Shakespeare’s widow, Anne Hathaway, and his daughter, Susannah Hall, to share the masterpiece with them.

With sound Directing credits that include eleven of Shakespeare’s plays, as well as Lauren Gunderson’s SILENT SKY, Beth Wolf beautifully stages and guides this production with grace and creativity. A simple, versatile and rough-hewn stage setting flavored with period authenticity was designed by Trevor Dotson, assisted by Devin Meseke. The story is illuminated by Lighting Designer, Jackson Mikkelsen, while Rachel M. Sypniewski has created an array of beautiful costumes reflecting Elizabethan society. And Alex Trinh contributes his skill with Music and Sound Design, adding another layer to the look and feel of this production. The talent of these unseen artists help make this production an enjoyable evening of learning and entertainment.

Ten gifted actors strut and fret their hours upon the Den stage to tell this story. Jared Dennis is outstanding and heartbreaking as John Heminges. He rides a rollercoaster of emotion throughout this two-act drama, portraying this character’s life of joy and trauma. Ben Veach is moving as Henry Condell. He’s the glue that often keeps his friends together in their quest to create The First Folio. But more than that, Mr. Veatch breathes an honesty into this character that bespeaks a real humanity and affection for his friends. The three talented actresses in this production are equally extraordinary. Brittani Yawn is magically refreshing and appealing as Alice Heminges. Alice is not only her father’s devoted daughter, serving drinks in his pub, but also a strong devotee of William Shakespeare. Alice is shown to have been equally instrumental in the publication of the Bard’s work. She offers a welcome strength and a feminine quality to this play that’s refreshing. Ms. Yawn’s character also expresses a demure romantic interest in handsome, young Isaac Jaggard (played by sensitivity by Kevin Sheehan). She sees in him much more than just someone willing to print their book. 

Lovely and gifted actress Anne Sheridan Smith brings an impressive resume and a great deal of humor, warmth and worldly wisdom to her excellent portrayal Rebecca Heminges. She displays both heartfelt compassion and a powerful feminine strength and devotion in this loving wife and mother. The talented Sabine Wan often brings much of the humor as Henry Condell’s flirtatious wife, Elizabeth. She, too, brings stamina and substance to the group’s search for the lost scripts and publication of the first collection of Shakespearean plays. Later on, Ms. Wan portrays poet Emilia Lanier, considered to have been the “Dark Lady” of Shakespeare’s sonnets. When Condell pays Emilia a visit he reminds her of Will, the young poet and playwright who once brought so much joy to her life. In response to his appeal, she gladly adds her financial help to the cause of getting the Bard’s work published.

This production is also propelled by an ensemble of wonderful supporting players. They include the marvelous Brendan Hutt, playing both Richard Burbage and William Jaggard; James Lewis, portraying a humorously verbose and often inebriated Ben Jonson, among others; Jonathan Perkins playing a raft of characters, including the delightfully nerdy Ralph Crane, Shakespeare’s devoted friend and the only man trusted to edit the Bard’s work; and the extremely versatile Jesus Barajas, who plays ham actor, Marcus, as well as an assortment of other smaller but hilarious, roles.

Without the perseverance of his devoted friends, we might not have ever known the genius of playwright William Shakespeare. The world wouldn’t know such theatrical masterpieces as HAMLET, AS YOU LIKE IT or RICHARD III without the work they did. But the dedication of John Heminges, Henry Condell and their families and friends, made sure that these works of art were preserved as they were originally written. And, conversely, without Lauren Gunderson’s humorous, profoundly heartfelt and historically-based new drama, theatergoers might not know the trials and tribulations that went into the publication of The First Folio. This play is a love letter aimed at every theatergoer and aficionado of the Bard about the legacy of William Shakespeare.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented September 18-October 25 by Promethean Theatre Ensemble at the Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available at the box office, by calling 773-697-3830 or by going to boxoffice@thedentheatre.com

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting theatreinchicago.com.