Last Will. & Testament – A Repeat Screening of the Documentary Film

Event

When: Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Time: 6:00 pm--snacks; 6:30 pm—film;
8:00 pm--discussion
Where: KC Public Library, 4801 Main St.
Cohen Room, lower level
Admission: Free.  Please call
Deborah McArdle at (913) 492-8753 to RSVP

The ESU Kansas City Branch will offer a repeat screening of this documentary film on Wednesday, October 29, 2014.  Several ESU members were unable to attend the original screening in 2012 and others who did see it remarked that it would be worthwhile to screen it again.

This film explores the greatest literary mystery of all time: who wrote the works of William Shakespeare? Golden Globe nominee Derek Jacobi leads an impressive cast of scholars and actors featuring Oscar Winner Vanessa Redgrave and Tony Winner Mark Rylance on a quest to uncover the truth behind the world's most elusive author, and discovers a forgotten nobleman whose story could rewrite history.

Click here to watch the trailer.

Shakespeare's plays and monologues are widely studied by academics worldwide and yet, the authorship question has persisted over the centuries.  This documentary film, "Last Will. & Testament," offers educators and students of drama, history, theatre, humanities, and the English language a unique opportunity to examine the various theories about the authorship question and encourages students' critical thinking.

While the English-Speaking Union does not endorse any particular position on this controversy and remains neutral on the Shakespeare authorship question, it does welcome and encourage debate on this centuries-old topic. 

Debate promotes critical-thinking skills so educators, students, scholars and the general public can begin to develop their own opinions on the controversy.  This documentary film poses profound questions that encourage healthy debate.

Return to News & Events