By Jessica B. Hill

Emilia Bassano, the probable Dark Lady of Shakespeare's sonnets, was a published poet in her own right. She was also trilingual, multiracial, and a talented musician. The Dark Lady brings these two poets intimately together as they wrestle with artistic collaboration, ambition, envy and love: an entanglement that will profoundly shape both their lives and their work. Through a series of supported workshops this past year, The Dark Lady has evolved from a short poetry narrative to become Jessica’s first full-length play. Shakespeare in the Ruins is planning a full production of The Dark Lady for 2022. 

Playwright's Notes

Out of curiosity, I decided to read all of Shakespeare’s sonnets while preparing for rehearsals in 2020. When I reached the so-called “Dark Lady” ones, I felt like I was reading them for the first time. I was struck by how jealous, violent and cruel they were: a side to Shakespeare we never really talk about. How strange to spend that much time and energy writing rhyming hate-poetry! Who hurt you, Bill? What’s her side of the story?

I decided to go on an exoneration quest.

Enter Emilia Bassano, the closest contender for “the Dark Lady.” Emilia’s life story somehow encompasses the breadth of Shakespeare’s work. It is truly remarkable, and the more I learned, the more it gave me goosebumps. But it wasn’t until I read her poetry (because, yes, she wrote too) that the floor caved in underneath me. There was something about her strong and fervent female voice... It was shades of Kate, Beatrice, Rosalind, Juliet, Paulina and Cleopatra, all in one. Her infinite variety.

What if these two great minds did more than just cross paths?

Emilia Bassano was the first Englishwoman to publish her work as a professional poet. Her book of poems is filled with letters of appeal to powerful women. She wanted to create a community of female patrons, supporters and readers, at a time when such a concept didn’t even exist. 

I’ve spent the year falling in love with Bassano and what she was desperately trying to accomplish. This play is my attempt to bring her out of the dark, and give her the chance to reclaim her story.

House Program:  The Dark Lady

Play by the Book Reflections - click here to watch Jessica B. Hill and Rodrigo Beilfuss discuss the creation of the play.

Jessica B. Hill’s new play brings into the light Emilia Bassano, the closest contender for “the Dark Lady of the Sonnets,” and gives her a chance to reclaim her story. The playwright and director Rodrigo Beilfuss discuss the creation of the play and provide some insight into this most intriguing and talented woman.

In photo: Rodrigo Beilfuss, Jessica B. Hill and Rylan Wilkie