Thomas Alexander

Writing William: a Play - 450th Anniversary Edition Thomas Alexander

A comedy set over four acts, Writing William follows a young, aspiring playwright who, in order to get his work on stage, forges a Shakespeare play. Basing the play on the relationship between Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine during the murder of Thomas Becket, the playwright, Will, starts to see it mirror his own failing marriage as he struggles to find approval from an unforgiving spouse. Backed by a working class billionaire and supported by an array of ageing actors, the lead of which is mute, Will finds cathartic release in the writing of the play and it?s impending production, but he hasn't taken into account just how gullible the theatre going public truly are. With the play a hit, he is faced with the choice of coming clean and reaping the rewards at the risk of being shunned by his audience, or staying true to his art. A comedic farce, Writing William blends Shakespearian dialogue with modern humor and innovative staging to look at the relationship of the artist and his art, the burden of success upon a relationship and the true cost of producing a play. Number of Characters: 8-10 Setting: New York Bar / Theatre