The ReDiscovery Series

The Shakespeare Theatre Company’s ReDiscovery Series features free staged readings of the “lost” plays of Shakespeare — Edward III, The History of Cardenio and Sir Thomas More. These readings are included in the Company’s “Shakespeare In Washington” programming. Works for the ReDiscovery series are chosen by Artistic Director Michael Kahn and presented under the direction of the Company’s artistic staff. The readings occur on five Mondays throughout the year where guest scholars, translators and adaptors involved with the evening’s reading also frequently participate in rehearsal, performance and post-performance discussions.

Edward III
Attributed in part to William Shakespeare; directed by Merry Alderman Monday, February 12 at 7:30pm

Scottish rebels threaten England’s border and John of France seizes the French crown. As King Edward sets out to restore order in the north, he sends his son, Prince Edward, to France and into battle for the first time. Against overwhelming odds, the Prince fights to regain the French crown for his father. Rediscover one of Shakespeare’s “lost” plays, first published anonymously in 1596 and filled with passages as sophisticated as those found in Shakespeare’s early histories.

The History of Cardenio
By William Shakespeare and John Fletcher; an imaginative reconstruction by Gary Taylor; directed by Stephen Fried
Monday, April 23 at 7:30pm

Don Ferdinando forces marriage on his friend Cardenio’s beloved Lucinda, betraying both Cardenio and his own lover Violante. Brokenhearted, Violante and Cardenio plot to be reunited with their true loves. Based on characters from Don Quixote, The History of Cardenio returned to the London stage in 1727 as Double Falsehood, a contemporary adaptation of an earlier manuscript written by William Shakespeare and John Fletcher. Shakespeare scholar Gary Taylor reconstructs this 17th-century play that had been virtually lost to audiences for centuries.

Following the matinee of Titus Andronicus on Sunday, April 22, Gary Taylor delivers a “Shakespeare In Washington” lecture titled “Cardenio–Evidence of Authorship” at the Lansburgh Theatre. Admission is free, but reservations are required.

Sir Thomas More
Attributed in part to William Shakespeare; directed by David Muse
Monday, May 14 at 7:30pm

Unlike the plays in the traditional Shakespeare canon, Sir Thomas More exists only in manuscript form and features three complete pages believed to be written in Shakespeare’s hand. In this politically sensitive play loosely based on the real-life events of the wise scholar and public servant, More must decide whether to honor his allegiance to the king or follow his conscience. Censored and then revised by Shakespeare and other playwrights, Sir Thomas More brings to life the spirit of this English Renaissance man and his fall from grace.

Those wishing to attend any of the readings in the ReDiscovery Series are encouraged to join the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s email list to receive updates concerning the events. To join the list, please visit the company’s website, ShakespeareTheatre.org.