Subject
Fitton, Mary, 1578?-1641 -- Drama Books
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Bernard Shaw
The Dark Lady of the Sonnets
"The Dark Lady of the Sonnets" by George Bernard Shaw is a short comedy written in 1910. The play imagines William Shakespeare waiting at Whitehall Palace for a secret meeting with his mysterious lover. Instead, he accidentally encounters Queen Elizabeth I and seizes the opportunity to pitch an ambitious idea: the creation of a national theatre. Shaw wrote this witty one-act play as part of a real campaign to establish a Shakespeare National Theatre by 1916, blending historical figures with literary mystery and theatrical ambition.
Frank Harris
Shakespeare and His Love: A Play in Four Acts and an Epilogue
"Shakespeare and His Love: A Play in Four Acts and an Epilogue" by Frank Harris is a dramatic play written in the early 20th century. The work explores the life and romantic experiences of William Shakespeare, specifically focusing on his love affair with Mary Fitton, a maid of honor to Queen Elizabeth. Through its depiction of Shakespeare and his contemporaries, the play delves into the complexities of love, ambition, and the challenges faced by artists during the Elizabethan era. The opening of the play introduces the vibrant setting of the Globe Theatre following a performance of "The Merchant of Venice." Several notable characters, including the Earl of Southampton, Ben Jonson, and the playwright himself, engage in lively conversation about the play they just witnessed, revealing the dynamics of their thoughts and relationships. As Shakespeare interacts with other characters, including his love interest, Mary Fitton, we see hints of his melancholy, artistic aspirations, and the complications arising from his emotions and social standing. This initial act sets the stage for exploring not only Shakespeare's internal struggles but also the tumultuous court politics and rivalries that characterize his world.
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