‘The work of Shakespeare is virtually infinite’ Jorge LuisBorges

A jealous king, convinced that his wife has been unfaithful and is havinganother man’s baby, imprisons her and puts her on trial. The child is abandonedto die, but when she is found and raised by a shepherd, it seems redemption maybe possible. A bravura blend of tragedy, comedy and romance, Shakespeare’semotionally potent late play explores artifice and nature, mortality andrenewal, and the destructive and consoling effects of time.

Used and Recommended by the National Theatre

General Editor Stanley Wells
Edited by Ernest Schanzer
Introduction by Russ McDonald

About the Author

William Shakespeare was born to John Shakespeare and MaryArden in late April 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon. He wrote about 38 plays (theprecise number is uncertain), many of which are regarded as the mostexceptional works of drama ever produced, includingRomeo andJuliet(1595),HenryV (1599),Hamlet(1601),Othello(1604),KingLear(1606) andMacbeth(1606), as well as acollection of 154 sonnets, which number among the most profound and influentiallove poetry in English. Shakespeare died in Stratford in 1616.