Shakespeare's Queens: an original one woman show by Poornima Kirby

Shakespeare grew up under the reign of Elizabeth I, a mercurial, intelligent, powerful queen whose influence is written across many of Shakespeare’s finest female characters. Whether in his dangerous siren-queens like Lady Macbeth and Margaret, or in playful, wayward leaders like Portia and Kate, or in redemptive characters like Hermione and Miranda, Shakespeare seems fascinated by how each of these women wielded power and made choices. Should they speak their minds, or keep to the shadows? Work together or stand alone? And where does their power lie: in tyranny or mercy? Wordplay or swordplay?

Created and performed by Shakespearean actress Poornima Kirby, this jewel of a play dances between Elizabeth’s story and Shakespeare’s own life as a writer and father to two strong-minded daughters. With history, humor and sparkling poetry, Shakespeare’s Queens is a heartfelt and refreshing exploration of some of the bard’s loveliest verse.

Poornima Kirby is a classically trained actress, writer and director, based in Concord, MA, specializing in classical and poetic texts, as well as co-created theater. She studied drama at Vassar College and trained in acting and Shakespeare performance at Shakespeare & Co. and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts.

This event is sponsored by the Library Foundation of Needham.