Hillsdale College Tower Players Perform ‘The Book of Will’

The play, which opened on Wednesday, tells the story of the actors who preserved many of Shakespeare’s works.

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HILLSDALE, Mich. — The Hillsdale College Tower Players hosted their opening performance of “The Book of Will” by Lauren Gunderson on Wednesday. The play is based on the story of actors Henry Condell and John Heminges, who preserved many of William Shakespeare’s works after his death.

“Without the dedication of these two men, almost half of Shakespeare’s works would have been lost to history,” said Christopher Matsos, chairman and associate professor of theatre. “After directing two of Shakespeare’s plays at Hillsdale, it is a joy to direct this dramatic tribute to the men who preserved many of them for us hundreds of years ago.”

“Without the dedication of these two men, almost half of Shakespeare’s works would have been lost to history.”

The play tells the story of actors Henry Condell and John Heminges, who determine after Shakespeare’s death to preserve their mentor’s works — even if they have to beg, borrow, and band together to get it done. Amidst the noise and color of Elizabethan London, “The Book of Will” tells an unforgettable true story of love, loss, and laughter. The play is written by Lauren Gunderson, one of America’s most produced living playwrights.

“The Book of Will” is the second Tower Players production this season. Additional performances will be Thursday, Nov. 13, through Saturday, Nov. 15, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 16, at 2:00 p.m. in Markel Auditorium. Admission is free, and no tickets are required. For more information, contact Hillsdale College Box Office at [email protected] or (517) 607-2848.

About Hillsdale College

Hillsdale College is an independent liberal arts college located in southern Michigan. Founded in 1844, the College has built a national reputation through its classical liberal arts core curriculum and its principled refusal to accept federal or state taxpayer subsidies, even indirectly in the form of student grants or loans. It also conducts an outreach effort promoting civil and religious liberty, including a free monthly speech digest, Imprimis, with a circulation of more than 7.5 million. For more information, visit hillsdale.edu.

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Media inquiries may be directed to:
Emily Stack Davis
517-607-2730 (work)
517-803-3745 (cell)
[email protected]
For all other inquiries contact Hillsdale College at 517-437-7341.