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The Birth of Merlin Written by William Shakespeare and William Rowley Directed by Jeffrey Scott Holland First performed in the year 1622, and published in a quarto credited to William Shakespeare and William Rowley, The Birth of Merlin is one of the "Shakespeare Apocrypha" that have been the subject of much debate. While some scholars maintain that there is serious stylistic and historical evidence that Shakespeare did indeed write the play, most refuse to accept such an idea. Aside from shaky provenance, their main concern seems to be that the play is too "over the top" and sensational in its devices - and yet the same could easily be said of The Tempest and Titus Andronicus, both of which are considered canonical. Come see our production of The Birth of Merlin - possibly the first time it's been given a full production in our lifetime - and assess for yourself whether you feel the hand of the Bard touched this text! The play concerns a gruesome clown and his pregnant sister, who carries the unborn wizard Merlin in her womb. Together, they try to find a father for the baby magician in a medieval forest, set against the backdrop of Arthurian legend and intrigue, as well as demonic forces from the underworld. Wikipedia says: "The play is rich with visual effects of varying types - devils and magic and masque-like spectacles. It was clearly designed to provide broad, colorful, fast-paced entertainment." Location and dates to be announced - Fall 2008. Free refreshments before and after program, and during intermission. |