You are invited to join International House, the Shakespeare Project of Chicago, and the Lumen Christi Institute for a special staged reading of a new play by Rowan Willams, Shakeshafte, a “fantasia” on the possible relationship between William Shakespeare and Edmund Campion. The play examines the tension between religion as art and the possible effect the future saint may have had on a playwright’s spiritual and philosophical makeup.

You can read about the Shakespeare Project of Chicago’s previous performance of “Shakeshafte” at the Chicago Reader. More information about the play can be found here.

Over the past 18 years, The Shakespeare Project of Chicago has produced theatrical readings of over 80 classic plays, including each of Shakespeare’s plays at least once, presented by professional actors to our audiences free of charge. Utilizing the talents of equity actors with credits ranging from Broadway, off-Broadway, regional houses, pre-eminent Shakespeare festivals and the major Illinois houses, we make these passionately performed classics available to all, without regard to income, race, age or any other demographic. Our artistic focus is firmly rooted in the text of the play, illuminating meaning and emotion through the actors’ exploration of The World in Words. 

Rowan Williams was the 104th Archbishop of Canterbury, holding that office from 2002 to 2012. He is currently master of Magdalene College, Cambridge, where he teaches Theology. A noted poet and translator of poetry, and, Dr. Williams speaks or reads ten languages, and has published books on a wide range of theological, historical and political themes.

This event is free and open to the public. Registration is suggested. Please click here to register. 

Refreshments will be served when doors open at 2:30PM. 

This event is co-sponsored by the International House Global Voices Program, The Shakespeare Project of Chicago, and the Lumen Christi Institute.