Shakespeare's Will
By Vern Thiessen
Directed by Melanie Dreyer
November 8 - December 1
West Homestead United Methodist Church
William Shakespeare remained married until his death to Anne Hathaway, about whom the world knows little and wonders much. This contemporary play portrays a full-throated Anne in every emotional color imaginable, at the center of her own story instead of relegated to a footnote in Will’s; a robust exploration of feminist themes resonant even in the #MeToo present.
Shakespeare’s Will offers a tour de force for actress Sheila McKenna, cherished staple of Pittsburgh theatre, and is scored live by violinist Dawn Posey. The performance inhabits West Homestead United Methodist Church, a Pittsburgh treasure hiding in plain sight, unveiling the poetic space of her memory enhanced by the mastery of designers Stephanie Mayer-Staley, Joe Seamans, C. Todd Brown, Steve Shapiro, and Bonnie Siefers.
