The Beard of Avon

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The Beard of Avon is a play by Amy Freed originally commissioned and produced by South Coast Repertory in 2001.

Synopsis: In the play, Shakspere (Freed chose this spelling for her character) abandons his wife, Anne Hathaway in Stratford-on-Avon after a visit from a touring company of players. He makes his way to London, determined to be an actor, and seeks out the theater troupe. After an audition scene that is a sendup of how directors and actors can treat one another, he is offered a silent "spear shaker" role. Through the troupe, Shakspere meets Edward de Vere, who, as a nobleman, would be ostracized if it were discovered that he writes plays for performances by commoners before the public. A deal is struck and a writing partnership is formed — to which Shakspere will eventually make considerable contributions.