It's the greatest literary mystery of all time; who wrote the works of Shakespeare? Although the official story has held sway for centuries, questions over the authorship of the plays and poems have persisted. Mark Twain, Sigmund Freud, Charlie Chaplin, and Orson Welles are among the many famous figures who doubt that a grain-dealer from Stratford-upon-Avon was England's "Star of Poets."

With the untimely death of England's great soldier-king, Henry V, the crown passes to his young and inexperienced son. While the nobles quarrel among themselves and compete for influence over the new monarch, the French seize the opportunity to reclaim their former territories from English possession. The success of the French armies rests upon an unlikely leader: the peasant girl Joan La Pucelle, known to history as Joan of Arc. The first of three...

The loyalties of Antony and Cleopatra are tested with tragic outcomes as the soldier of Rome and the queen of Egypt struggle against the power and authority of the emerging Roman Empire. During a mission to Egypt, Antony falls immediately and irrevocably in love with its queen, the beautiful Cleopatra. As Cleopatra returns his favour, their fates and that of Egypt are sealed forever. Known as "The Bard of Avon," William Shakespeare is arguably the...

Desperately in love with Bertram, the son of a Spanish countess, Helena schemes with the virginal Diana to fulfill Bertram's stipulations and win his love. As Bertram's infidelity and Helena's deceits are revealed, the estranged lovers reunite, but the audience is left to wonder if, in love, the end justifies the means. Known as "The Bard of Avon," William Shakespeare is arguably the greatest English-language writer known. Enormously popular during...

The first play in William Shakespeare's tetralogy of plays which also includes "Henry IV, Part 1", "Henry IV, Part 2", and "Henry V", "Richard II" is believed to have been written around 1595. A history play, the drama concerns the last two years of the life of King Richard II of England, spanning the years 1398 to 1400. The drama begins with a dispute between Richard's cousin, Henry Bolingbroke, who would later become King Henry IV, and Thomas de...

In this narrative poem, a young woman is seen crying by a river bed, tossing letters and gifts into the waters. When asked about her sorry state, the woman tells of how she was seduced into falling in love with a young man who ultimately abandoned her. Known as "The Bard of Avon," William Shakespeare is arguably the greatest English-language writer known. Enormously popular during his life, Shakespeare's works continue to resonate more than three...

Out of fear that Caesar might overthrow the Roman Senate and rule by tyranny, Brutus, convinced by Cassius, kills Caesar in the Senate. Acting for the republic, the conspirators do not flee, but defend their actions and Rome remains on their side-until Mark Antony speaks and rouses the crowd against the conspirators. A revered favourite of scholars and dramatists alike, Julius Caesar remains one of Shakespeare's most popular plays. Known as "The Bard...

Mercy and Justice- Measure for Measure is a play that balances Mercy against Justice and pride against humility. Vincentio, the Duke of Vienna, tells his people that he is leaving on a diplomatic mission and will leave the city in the care of a judge, Angelo. But, the Duke does not leave, he disguises himself and see how his fair city is run in his absence. No ceremony that to great ones 'longs, Not the king's crown, nor the deputed sword, The marshal's...

Love and Longing- As You Like it is One of William Shakespeare's best-known plays. Mistaken identities and gender disguise abound. Rosalind must flee from court when she angers her uncle, who has usurped her father's throne. She disguises herself as a man and travels to the Forest of Arden where complicated love triangles arise and must be, dealt with. All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their...