To W.H.
| To W.H. | |
|---|---|
| Written by | Stuart Draper |
| Date premiered | 2006 |
| Original language | English |
To W.H. is a play that examines the potential sexuality of William Shakespeare and the identity of "W.H." who has been referred to a number of times in Shakespeare's work.[1] The play was written by Stuart Draper, directed by Anton Krause and first played in Hobgoblin Pub Theatre in London in spring 2006.[1][2][3][4]
Reception
The play has received a great deal of attention, due both to its playwright/actor and because of its content. The British Theatre Guide wrote, "Funny and poignant, To WH takes the audience through Shakespeare's life, from his first ill-fated meeting with WH, to his death in Stratford. Punctuated by blues-style renditions of the sonnets from the Dark Lady herself, To WH finally bangs the nail into the coffin of Shakespeare's heterosexuality",[5] while The Stage reviewed and wrote, "Anton Krause’s production is rather rough around the edges but it’s performed with warmth and humour".[1] Indie London opined, "To W.H. combines the soul and passion of Shakespeare’s sonnets (the majority of which were written to a Mr W.H.) with the exuberance and bawdiness that characterise his most exciting comedies.",[6] while the UK Theatre Web writes, "Stuart Draper has written a pacy romp which interlaces a large amount of Shakespeare’s writing...", and "Draper plays Shakespeare with gusto, delighting in the fact that, like the bard, what’s the point if the playwright doesn’t give himself the best parts? Alongside his clowning and wit, he shows the loneliness and despair to give a rounded character"[7]
See also
References
- ^ a b c Tripney, Natasha (21 April 2006). "To W.H." The Stage. Archived from the original on 12 June 2011. Retrieved 25 January 2009.
- ^ "Stuart Draper". The Playwrights database. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 22 January 2009.
- ^ rainbownetwork.com, Archived 30 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine interview with Anton Krause and Stuart Draper, accessed 22 January 2009
- ^ "To W.H." UK Theatre Web. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
- ^ "Dateline: 10th March, 2006 - Melmoth's Pub Theatre Rep Season". British Theatre Guide. Archived from the original on 25 September 2007. Retrieved 22 January 2009.
- ^ "To W.H.—The Hobgoblin". Indie London. Archived from the original on 25 February 2012. Retrieved 22 January 2009.
- ^ "Review of To W.H.". UK Theater Web. 21 April 2006. Archived from the original on 10 July 2011. Retrieved 22 January 2009.