Renaissance Docudrama 'Arden of Faversham' Set to Hit the Stage at UNA

Apr. 13, 2011

FLORENCE, Ala. – The 1592 domestic drama “Arden of Faversham” will be performed at the University of North Alabama’s Wesleyan Hall Auditorium April 20 and 21 at 7 p.m. by the Willing Hams, the UNA English department’s amateur theatrical troupe.

Although published anonymously, the play may have been partly written by Shakespeare when he was just beginning his career in theatre. Based on the 1551 real-life account of wealthy businessman Thomas Arden, the play examines the extent to which Alice, Thomas’s neglected wife, will go to gain notice in their loveless marriage. With the help of her ambitious lover, Mosby, the two created a bizarrely complicated plan to avenge Alice’s mistreatment and experience complete happiness. But will their proposed solution bring them what they want, or will it created even more chaos?

Adultery, passion, revenge and sheer incompetence are some of the themes that will entertain audiences in “Arden of Faversham.” The production offers a modern take on the timeless matters of voracity and betrayal in a surprisingly comical and fast-paced production featuring some of the most incompetent murderers ever to grace the stage. Did Shakespeare leave his name off of “Arden” because he didn’t want to admit to having had anything to do with something this, um, bad? Is a play about murder really supposed to be this funny? See what you think.

Admission is by donation. This play contains subject matter not suitable for some audiences.

For more information, contact the director, Dr. Lesley Peterson, at 256-765-4104 or lepeterson@una.edu.