Verge Theater is delighted to present an unforgettable run of theater with Lauren Gunderson’s The Book of Will at the Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture. Performances will be held August 13th–23rd. Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7pm, with a Sunday matinee to follow at 2pm.
Directed by Sharon Beehler, this lively romp through 17th Century London’s theatre and publishing worlds sees Shakespeare’s friends taking on the daunting task of collecting, authenticating and printing the first collection of his plays.
The play is a heartfelt and witty tribute to the power of friendship, storytelling and the enduring legacy of the written word. Set in 1619, a few years after the death of William Shakespeare, the play follows three of the Bard’s closest colleagues – John Heminges, Henry Condell and Richard Burbage – as they discover that many of Shakespeare’s plays are in danger of being lost forever. Determined to preserve their friend’s work, the actors embark on a mission to gather the scattered texts and publish the First Folio, ensuring that generations to come will experience Shakespeare’s brilliance.
Blending humor, history and genuine emotion, The Book of Will explores the passion behind preserving art and the bonds formed through a shared creative life. Gunderson’s charming portrayal of Shakespeare’s company celebrates the oft-unsung individuals who protect and carry forward the stories that shape our culture. Both a love letter to theatre and a moving reflection on legacy, the play reminds audiences that great works survive because people care enough to keep telling them.
Tickets for The Book of Will are available for purchase now for $35. Visit www.vergetheater.com for reservations and further information about educational opportunities for aspiring thespians. •
