Quintessence of Dust

by Shanna Allman

***Selection - 2024 Seattle Shakespeare New Works Development***

FULL LENGTH, VERSE - In 1599 England, struggling to finish ‘Julius Caesar’ in time for the the opening of the much anticipated Globe Theatre, William battles ghosts and ambition in this play about grief that pits familial devotion against fulfilling one’s purpose.

A historical fiction, in verse and prose.

***Selection - 2024 Seattle Shakespeare New Works Development***

FULL LENGTH, VERSE - In 1599 England, struggling to finish ‘Julius Caesar’ in time for the the opening of the much anticipated Globe Theatre, William battles ghosts and ambition in this play about grief that pits familial devotion against fulfilling one’s purpose.

A historical fiction, in verse and prose.

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Quintessence of Dust

All roles open casting. This is a play, not a documentary, and it is the playwright's intention that all characters, particularly the historical individuals represented in the story, be portrayed by a wide range of humanity.
Doubling: 17 Characters portrayed by 9 actors. While doubling is part of the original conceit, the play can be performed with as many as 17 actors if a larger cast is desired.

Development History

  • Workshop, Seattle Shakespeare Company, 2024
  • Reading, Seattle Shakespeare Company, 2024
  • Reading, The Rowdy Table, 2022