Elizabeth Rex

Synopsis: A film made for television based on Timothy Findlay’s two-act play, directed by Martha Henry, for the Stratford (Ontario) Shakespeare Festival. Queen Elizabeth condemns her lover, the Earl of Essex, to death for treason. On the eve of his death in 1601, a tormented Elizabeth seeks distraction and calls on William Shakespeare and his players to perform a comedy, Much Ado About Nothing. After the play has ended she joins the company, and as the players remove their costumes stripping away illusion, Elizabeth confronts her own torment. On the eve of his own death in 1616 Shakespeare remembers the confrontation and mourns the play he never wrote.
Series: Opening Night
Language: English
Country: Canada
Medium: Television; Video
Technical information: Colour / Sound
Notes: DVD extras include director’s audio commentary, omitted scenes and outtakes, behind-the-scenes documentary, close captioning for the hearing impaired and scene selection.
Subjects: Drama
Keywords: history of the 16th century; Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); Elizabeth I, Queen of England; Stratford (Ontario) Shakespeare Festival