DAC Stage Announces Shakespeare and the Heart's Desire by Mary Jane Schaefer

At a time when American politics are playing out on stage, the Darien Arts Center is bringing audiences back to the politics and intrigue of the Elizabethan period. Shakespeare and the Heart’s Desire, a play written by Mary Jane Schaefer, and the third part of Schaefer’s trilogy based on the life of Shakespeare, is being brought to life in a one-night staged reading at the Darien Arts Center. DAC Stage is delighted to welcome back Mark Graham to direct this stunning tale of intrigue on February 27 at 8 p.m. Graham previously directed the successful DAC production of God of Carnage, which garnered rave reviews, and delighted audiences.

In Shakespeare and the Heart’s Desire, Mary Jane Schaefer explores the backstory and little known life of Shakespeare, the man, his love and his politics. It uncovers the political side of Shakespeare and tells of an amazing and true event: his dangerous involvement in a plot to overthrow the Throne of England. We get a peek at Shakespeare’s politics: the power and magic hidden in the plays of William Shakespeare, which were strong enough to shake the foundations of the British Monarchy, to incite riots and inspire a revolution.

Schaefer’s previous works, which also uncover largely unknown slices of Shakespeare’s life, have received critical acclaim with the first of the series honored by the New American Playwrights Project and produced at the Utah Shakespeare Festival in 2014. Both were performed at Manhattan’s prestigious National Arts Club.

The DAC production boasts a stellar veteran cast of actors that includes Larry Reina, John O’Hern, Damian Langan, Tom Zingarelli, Allan Zeller, Joe Maker, Richard Weidlich, Scott Bruno, Betty Jinnette, Emilie Roberts and Marca Leigh. Reservations are not necessary for the performance, which has a suggested donation of $10. The DAC is located at 2 Renshaw Road, behind the Darien Town Hall. For more information, visit darienarts.org or call (203) 655-8683.

Pictured are cast and crew. Front row: Betty Jinnette, Emilie Roberts, Marca Leigh, Donna Wyant and Constance Koeper. Back row: John O’Hern, Damian Langan ,Tom Zingarelli, Mary Jane Schaefer, Allan Zeller, Joe Maker, Richard Weidlich, Scott Bruno and Mark Graham.

Founded in 1975, the Darien Arts Center (DAC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing visual and performing arts programs and events for the community. The DAC offers educational programs in Dance, Visual Arts, Music & Theatre, & special events & live theatre performances by DAC Stage. Private donations, grants, tuition fees & ticket sales fund the DAC, which is located at 2 Renshaw Road, behind the Town Hall. For further information, call (203) 655-8683 or visit darienarts.org.