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Out of nothing: Imagining Ann Hathaway

By Robert W. Bethune

Shakespeare became a celebrity a century or so after his death, and ever more a celebrity ever since. Since Vasari's "Lives of the Artists" in the 1500s, it's hard to tell which is more interesting to the world: the artist's work or the juicy dirt about the artist's life. The gossip that artists evoke lives after them; the art is oft interred with their bones. Should it be so of Shakespeare?
"Shakespeare's Will" is a play about Anne Hathaway, his wife. Nothing is known that would allow one to write a play about her, so Vern Thiessen did what any other good writer would do: He made everything up. In so doing, he created a quite worthwhile play, because he didn't just dish dirt about Ann and Bill; he used her story to show us what happens to love in absence over time – a sad and touching theme, done with great feeling and very little sentimentality. Even though it is based on a fundamental historical error – his interpretation of the emotional significance of the terms of Shakespeare's will is based on a complete misunderstanding of their implications – it is nevertheless an emotionally satisfying play that captures the reality of how love cools and changes over time, despite our best wishes and vows.
Seana McKenna is wonderful as Anne. She makes an intriguing choice not to use an English accent. In the hour and a half we spend with her, she shares Anne's cool, tough, yet deeply loving heart with us simply and honestly. She also gives us other minor characters: Will himself, driven and laconic; her father, forever giving in under protest; her children, each a unique personality, her sister-in-law: "Joan is a bitch."

(FOR "REVIEW BOX")
MINI-REVIEW:
'Shakespeare's Will'
Stratford Festival of Canada at the Studio Theatre. In repertory, Tues.-Sun., through Sept. 20. Tickets: $40-$108 Canadian. For information: 800-567-1600 or http://www.stratfordfestival.ca.

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