The Book of Will

by Lauren Gunderson

directed by Davis McCallum

Originally produced at Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Denver, CO

January 13 to February 26, 2017

About the Premiere Production:

Synopsis: Two of the last surviving actors from Shakespeare's original theatre company do everything they can to collect, edit and publish all of his plays. They succeed, with the help of many others, and the result is what we know today as The First Folio. Without their efforts, we would have lost half of Shakespeare's plays.

Artistic Statement: In The Book of Will, Lauren Gunderson tells a vitally important cultural story that has never been produced on the stage before. Everyone takes for granted the fact that Shakespeare’s plays have been safely handed down to us, but few realize how precarious that transmission was. Without some serious detective work by a few of Shakespeare’s best friends and competitors, we would have lost about half of the plays. The Book of Will is a thrilling adventure that brings to life those heady days when Shakespeare’s plays were being heard for the very first time. It is part love story to Shakespeare’s language and plays, part passionate statement of the value of theatre, and part story of deep friendship. The readings of the play were enthusiastically received by both Shakespeare lovers and audiences with no background in Shakespeare plays.

Grant Statement: We will use this grant to extend the rehearsal time by one full week. We believe that added rehearsal time can significantly enhance the development of a new play heading towards its world premiere.

Set Designer: Sandra Goldmark

Lighting Designer: Paul Toben

Costume Designer: Camille Assaf

Sound Designer: Stowe Nelson

Dramaturg: Douglas Langworthy

Voice and Text: Kathy Maes