Mortal Terror set for Boston Playwrights' Theatre

Suffolk University and Boston Playwrights' Theatre present Robert Brustein's Mortal Terror, directed by Daniela Varon from September 15 through October 2 at the Modern Theatre at Suffolk University, 525 Washington Street, Boston.

Playwright Robert Brustein brings the spirit of William Shakespeare back to the stage with his imaginative story of political upheaval set during the ignition of the Gunpowder Plot. In 1605, William Shakespeare, trapped by political intrigue, violence and betrayal, is persuaded by King James to create a play that justifies the new king's right to the English throne and his idiotic belief in witches. Torn between his commitment to his art and his need to placate the king, Shakespeare creates one of his greatest works-Macbeth-meanwhile contemplating an affair with the King's young dissatisfied wife.

Mortal Terror is the second in a trilogy of plays about the life and work of Shakespeare by Robert Brustein, Distinguished Scholar in Residence at Suffolk University. The first installment, The English Channel, focusing on Shakespeare's affair with the Dark Lady, Emilia Lanier, was produced at the Abingdon Theatre in 2009, where it was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. The third part of the trilogy, The Last Will, about Shakespeare's return to Stratford Upon Avon towards the end of his life, will be produced by the Abingdon in New York in the Fall of 2012.

The company of Mortal Terror includes Stafford Clark-Price as William Shakespeare, joined by Dafydd ap Rees as Sir John Harington, Michael Hammond as King James, Jeremiah Kissel as Ben Johnson, John Kuntz as Marston/Guy Fawkes, Georgia Lyman as Queen Anne, and Christopher James Webb as Catesby.

Set design is by Jon Savage, Costume Design by Rachel Padula Shufelt, Lighting Design by Frank Meissner, and Sound Design by David Remedios.

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