This delightful/fun/meticulously-researched documentary reveals why 'Shakspere from Stratford’ isn't author of "Shakespeare"
This delightful/fun/meticulously-researched documentary reveals why 'Shakspere from Stratford’ isn't author of "Shakespeare"
Imagine: something as trivial as a man’s lace collar could help to solve a 400-year-old mystery -- about the true author of the works of “Shakespeare.” Hiding in plain sight, this is a detail only a woman might notice.
A small sartorial clue proves significant. It is the first step in unraveling the mystery that began at the historical moment of the blossoming of the English literary renaissance. The question is whether or not an uneducated tradesman from the densely illiterate village of Stratford — where neither his parents, his seven siblings nor his two children could even write their own names — could have penned the greatest works in the English language. How could he have written the courtly works of “Shakespeare?”
Throughout the ages, people have always expressed who they are and the class they belong to by the clothes they wear. In Elizabethan England, the sumptuary laws decreed precisely what the nobility and the tradesmen could wear. These laws were very strict and the penalties for defying them were humiliating as well as financially devastating.
Who then, was the author of these great works? A mere tradesman who could barely write his own name? Or the heir to the oldest, wealthiest, most illustrious earldom in all of England, who from the ages 6-12 was tutored by England’s “Plato,” and after that, in several languages, by the greatest minds of Europe.
IMAGES: Pallas Athena, and her ‘Helmet of Disguise”
The ‘broken spear’ crest of Viscount Bolebec, Edward de Vere
This meticulously researched but entertaining documentary film reveals the answer in a compelling story of scandal, intrigue, and subterfuge. This engaging film uncovers the ‘why’ behind this mistaken identity -- why the true identity was hidden in the first place; and why the wrong man was given the credit.
In this fascinating adventure, Robin Phillips uses a woman’s perspective, talents, and artistry, to create an inspired and unconventional cinematic treatment of this subject. She brings fresh new insights to an old, never resolved, problem.
IMAGES: “Spear-shaker,” Pallas Athena, Goddess of Wisdom & Greek Theatre;
The De Vere Crest with the Earl's Coronet
Phillips, who has worked as an Actor, Writer, Singer, Director, Playwright, Producer, and Narrator since, 1983 has created her first feature length, 80-minute documentary, using “scholarship brushed with humor” to tell the story of the two 16th century men involved. She juxtaposes these two lives together in the context of time —in a way never before presented in film. That’s what clinches it. That’s what brings the truth home.
IMAGES: The Oxford Seal; Oxford/De Vere Motto, "Nothing Truer Than Truth"
A noble silhouette with lace collar clearly emerges from the haze to reveal the true identity of the author. Even “America’s Historian,” David McCullough, agrees that “Shakespeare” is the 17th Earl of Oxford, Edward de Vere -- who used the classical yet naughty pen-name “Shake-speare” to hide his real identity. But, according to Stratford Birthplace Trust Honorary President, Sir Stanley Wells, “It is dangerous and immoral to question history.” Really?!? What are they afraid of?
In this film Robin Phillips is taking up a banner, a burgundy-red and gold silk one that has the de Vere motto inscribed on it in heavy gold thread: “Nothing Truer Than Truth.” Today, more than ever, the pursuit of truth is something worth fighting for. Vero Nihil Verius.
oOo
GroundbreakerFilms.com
The transformation of the Stratford Monument also revealed...