Oregon Shakespeare Festival launched the world premiere of American playwright Bill Cain's Equivocation at the Bowmer Theatre last Saturday. A gripping historical play, laced with laughs early on, and finely directed by Bill Rauch, it grapples with the aftermath of the foiled Gunpowder Plot in England on Nov. 5, 1605. Then a band of dissident Catholics had intended to blow up the Houses of Parliament, along with James I, on opening day.
Caught up in the aftermath is Will Shakespeare (spelled Shagspeare or Shag in the play), who is given the commission by Sir Robert Cecil, King James' chief advisor, a man who flaunts his power and has a widespread spy network, to "dialogue" the King's play purported to be the "official" account of the Plot. He has two weeks to complete it and at the King's behest must include witches.
Associate Artistic Director and Scenic Designer Christopher Acebo has created an impressive space reminiscent of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre that adapts to the court, prison and rehearsal stage. Remarkably, few props are needed, whereas many costume changes challenge the skill of Deborah M. Dryden, resident costume designer (King James is given a royal treat).
Equivocation contains strong language and brief nudity but is thrilling theater. It plays through Oct. 31.
Read the complete review.