Elizabeth Rex | Productions : The Kalamazoo Civic Theatre

Elizabeth Rex

2004 - 2005 Production


Drama

Part history lesson and part theatrical insight, this fictional encounter between William Shakespeare and the formidable Queen Elizabeth I offers poignant reflections on grief, love, the nature of friendship, and the power of art. On a historic night in 1601 the Earl of Essex, the Queen's ex-lover, has been imprisoned in the Tower of London for treason. Seeking distraction from his impending execution, the Queen summons Shakespeare's theatre troupe to perform a play. Following a presentation of Much Ado About Nothing for the pained Queen, Shakespeare and company retire to the stables where they are visited by the monarch. A debate about love, art, life, and death ensues and lasts until dawn, when her former lover is to be executed.


PHOTO GALLERY

Photos courtesy of Fred Western