Owning Shakespeare (Ten Minute Play)

by Marcia Eppich-Harris

The year is 1754. Reverend Francis Gastrell bought and tore down the house that William Shakespeare lived and died in -- New Place. Now, he wants to own the bones of the Bard himself.

The year is 1754. Reverend Francis Gastrell bought and tore down the house that William Shakespeare lived and died in -- New Place. Now, he wants to own the bones of the Bard himself.

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Owning Shakespeare (Ten Minute Play)

Recommended by

  • Christopher Soucy: Owning Shakespeare (Ten Minute Play) by Marcia Eppich-Harris
    “

    “Blessed be the man that spares these stones, And cursed be he that moves my bones.” This clever play pits a pious man of god against the reverence held for history’s most famous playwright. Brilliant and enjoyable to the last. Lovers of Shakespeare, history, or even fear of curses will enjoy this play!

    “Blessed be the man that spares these stones, And cursed be he that moves my bones.” This clever play pits a pious man of god against the reverence held for history’s most famous playwright. Brilliant and enjoyable to the last. Lovers of Shakespeare, history, or even fear of curses will enjoy this play!

    ”
  • Kate Danley: Owning Shakespeare (Ten Minute Play) by Marcia Eppich-Harris
    “

    If you've ever toured Stratford-Upon-Avon, you've heard the tale of the man who tore down Shakespeare's house because he hated him so much. This is a great little piece that incorporates all of the history (the house, the curse, the skull). If your theatre specializes in Shakespeare, this will get your audience humming with appreciation!

    If you've ever toured Stratford-Upon-Avon, you've heard the tale of the man who tore down Shakespeare's house because he hated him so much. This is a great little piece that incorporates all of the history (the house, the curse, the skull). If your theatre specializes in Shakespeare, this will get your audience humming with appreciation!

    ”
  • Nora Louise Syran: Owning Shakespeare (Ten Minute Play) by Marcia Eppich-Harris
    “

    An entertaining glimpse into Shakespeare tourism in Stratford-upon-Avon 150 years after the death of the Bard. Historical fact blended with historical fiction leads to super results. Bravo!

    An entertaining glimpse into Shakespeare tourism in Stratford-upon-Avon 150 years after the death of the Bard. Historical fact blended with historical fiction leads to super results. Bravo!

    ”
View all 5 recommendations

Character Information

  • Reverend Francis Gastrell
    Owner of Shakespeare's house, Newplace, which he tore down.
    50s-70s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Ned Gastrell
    Cousin of Reverend Gastrell
    50s-70s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • David Garrick
    An actor
    30s-40s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • David Lewis
    High Sheriff of Warwickshire
    40-70
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • William Evetts
    50s-70s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male

Development History

  • Workshop, Indiana Playwrights Circle, 2020