• Overview
• Staging information
• Translations
• Sample translations
• Production history

Scene

The play is divided into two acts. The beginning and end of the play are set in the present day. The rest of the play takes place during the late-fifteenth and early-sixteenth centuries.

Staging

Most of the play is set in the library of William Stanley’s castle. To the back of this room is a huge window that looks out to the castle gardens. The library contains bookshelves which move apart like doors when characters enter and exit the stage. The library has a writing desk on which sits a human skull and a tape recorder.

At the beginning and end of the play, William Stanley is dressed as a tour guide.

At the end of the first act, Shakespeare dresses up as a woman to introduce the play performed at William’s wedding. (less)

Most of the play is set in the library of William Stanley’s castle. To the back of this room is a huge window that looks out to the castle gardens. The library contains bookshelves whic... (Read more...)

Music

On a number of occasions, the characters dance to music played on a tape recorder.

Cast number

Minimum	Maximum
4 males	4 males
3 females	3 females
7 (total)	7 (total)

Characters

• WILLIAM
• SHAKESPEARE
• COSTRAND
• JUDGE
• MARY
• COUNTESS
• WIDOWED COUNTESS

Entry written by Gwynneth Dowling. Last updated on 16 March 2012.

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