[size=110]Alas, poor Shakespeare here lies done to death
By hands unknown his life away was borne
His stopped heart echoes his silent breath
His characters alone remain to mourn
Though the artist is slain, his works extend
Bright heroes whose lives his art attested
Now gather they to learn from Will’s own pen
In whose name title to the plays vested
Lover, fighter, lady and thane, rare sprite
Each hope to receive the playwright’s gift
Each seek to diminish the other’s right
Or learn which other set Will’s life adrift
Come, open-hearted and open-handed
Depart enriched, or a killer branded[/size]
Hear ye, hear ye! By order of Theseus, Duke of Athens, ye are hereby summoned to the reading of ye Last Wille of William Shakespeare, poet and playwright, recently discovered slain by unknown causes. Shakespeare’s Legacy includes the title to his complete works, which some believe may one day have value.
Ye events of ye reading shall begin on Friday, 11 December, at 7:30pm, at Turnbull House, Wellington. A memorial service shall be held, followed by a wake, and ye reading shall commence precisely at 10:15pm.
Claimants receiving this summons are below listed in order of rank. Any who fail to appear at ye reading shall forfeit all claim to Shakespeare’s works henceforth.
Theseus, Duke of Athens
Hippolyta, Duchess of Athens, Queen of the Amazons
Macbeth, Thane of Glamis
Lady Macbeth of Glamis
Tybalt Capulet, a swordsman of Verona
Romeo Montague, a young gentleman of Verona
Juliet Capulet, a young gentlewoman of Verona
Lysander, a young gentleman of Athens
Demetrius, a young gentleman of Athens
Helena, a young gentlewoman of Athens
Hermia, a young gentlewoman of Athens
Rosaline, a young woman of Verona
Friar Laurence, a friar of Verona
Serafina, a nurse
Verula, an old woman
Note well that all weapons are forbidden at the reading of the wille, and any who brings such will be immediately disinherited.
“Much Ado about Something” is a LARP for 16 players by Alan Schwartz, produced by Wellington LARPS. The subject matter should be apparent from the invitation. While there are slightly more female characters than male, crossdressing is very Shakespearian, so feel free to pick anyone you want. Also note that these are Shakespeare’s immortal characters, so costuming could be from any adaptation.
Cost is $12, or $10 for NZLARPS members.
The venue is fine with BYO alcohol, so as this is a wake, feel free to bring something to toast Shakespeare’s memory. Non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.
If you are interested in playing, please email "wgtnlarp@gmail.com" with a list of character preferences.
Can’t wait.