The Quest for Shakespeare
Encyclopedia
The Quest for Shakespeare is a television documentary
series shown on cable channel EWTN. It is written and presented by author Joseph Pearce
about William Shakespeare
, and specifically the evidence that his religion
was Catholic. The series comprises thirteen episodes that began airing May 2009. The shows feature dramatizations of pertinent scenes and excerpts from Shakespeare's work by actors from Theatre of the Word, a theatrical company founded by Father Joseph Fessio
.
Initial episode of the new series, looking into evidence that Shakespeare was Catholic.
The last will and testament of Shakespeare’s father, modelled on a spiritual testament of Charles Borromeo
, showing that the writer came from a devout Catholic family.
Whether Shakespeare served as a teacher in the estate of the Catholic Houghton family.
The writer's "lost years", marriage and the baptism of his children as possible evidence of his faith.
Connections to Christopher Marlowe and St Robert Southwell.
Shakespeare's complicated dealings with Queen Elizabeth.
Potential proof of Catholicism in the writers relations with Family, Friends and Enemies.
Difficulties of relating with King James I. How could he remain the King’s while remaining faithful to his Church.
Shakespeare’s will as evidence that his life and passing were as a faithful member of the Church.
Documentary
A documentary is a creative work of non-fiction, including:* Documentary film, including television* Radio documentary* Documentary photographyRelated terms include:...
series shown on cable channel EWTN. It is written and presented by author Joseph Pearce
Joseph Pearce
Joseph Pearce is an English-born writer, and Writer in Residence and Professor of Literature at Ave Maria University in Ave Maria, Florida; previously he had a comparable position, from 2001, at Ave Maria College in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He is known for a number of literary biographies, many of...
about William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was an English poet and playwright, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon"...
, and specifically the evidence that his religion
Shakespeare's religion
Knowledge of William Shakespeare's religion is important in understanding the man and his works because of the wealth of biblical and liturgical allusions, both Protestant and Catholic, in his writings and the hidden references to contemporary religious tensions that are claimed to be found in the...
was Catholic. The series comprises thirteen episodes that began airing May 2009. The shows feature dramatizations of pertinent scenes and excerpts from Shakespeare's work by actors from Theatre of the Word, a theatrical company founded by Father Joseph Fessio
Joseph Fessio
Joseph Fessio, is a Roman Catholic priest of the Jesuit order and the founder and editor of Ignatius Press. He was the founding provost of Ave Maria University until March 2007.- Education :...
.
Episode 1
"Will the Real Shakespeare Please Stand Up?"Initial episode of the new series, looking into evidence that Shakespeare was Catholic.
Episode 2
His Father’s WillThe last will and testament of Shakespeare’s father, modelled on a spiritual testament of Charles Borromeo
Charles Borromeo
Charles Borromeo was the cardinal archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Milan from 1564 to 1584. He was a leading figure during the Counter-Reformation and was responsible for significant reforms in the Catholic Church, including the founding of seminaries for the education of priests...
, showing that the writer came from a devout Catholic family.
Episode 5
A Rose by Any Other NameWhether Shakespeare served as a teacher in the estate of the Catholic Houghton family.
Episode 6
Love’s Labours, Lost YearsThe writer's "lost years", marriage and the baptism of his children as possible evidence of his faith.
Episode 7
Murdered Spy, Martyred PriestConnections to Christopher Marlowe and St Robert Southwell.
Episode 8
Playing Safe with the QueenShakespeare's complicated dealings with Queen Elizabeth.
Episode 9
Family, Friends and EnemiesPotential proof of Catholicism in the writers relations with Family, Friends and Enemies.
Episode 10
The King’s Good ServantDifficulties of relating with King James I. How could he remain the King’s while remaining faithful to his Church.
Episode 13
“He Died a Papist”Shakespeare’s will as evidence that his life and passing were as a faithful member of the Church.