The Bard
of Avon
William Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet, and actor, 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".
His extant works, including collaborations, consist of some 39 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and a few other verses, some of uncertain authorship. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.
Latest Works
Romeo and Juliet
A tragic story of two young star-crossed lovers whose deaths ultimately reconcile their feuding families.
Macbeth
A brave Scottish general named Macbeth receives a prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he will become King of Scotland.
Julius Caesar
The conspiracy against the Roman dictator Julius Caesar, his assassination, and the defeat of the conspirators at the Battle of Philippi.
King John
Dramatises the reign of John, King of England (ruled 1199–1216), focusing on his war with France and his dispute with the Pope.
King Richard II
The first part of the tetralogy, chronicling the life and death of King Richard II and his deposition by Henry IV.
Twelfth Night
A comedy centering on the twins Viola and Sebastian, who are separated in a shipwreck.
Reflections
From The Globe
A collection of sonnets and thoughts on the nature of drama, performance, and the human condition.
Quick Answers toCOMMON QUESTIONS
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions — so you know exactly what to expect when working with me.
Where are your plays performed?
My plays are primarily performed at The Globe Theatre in London. It is an open-air amphitheatre where the groundlings can stand and watch the performance for a penny.
Do you write only tragedies?
By no means! While I am known for 'Hamlet' and 'Macbeth', I also delight in Comedies such as 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' and 'Twelfth Night', as well as Histories that chronicle the kings of England.
What is a sonnet?
A sonnet is a poem of fourteen lines using any of a number of formal rhyme schemes, in English typically having ten syllables per line. I have written 154 of them.
Are your characters based on real people?
Some are drawn from history, such as Julius Caesar and Henry V, while others are born of imagination or adapted from older stories and legends.
When were you born?
I was baptized on April 26, 1564, in Stratford-upon-Avon. The exact date of my birth is unknown, but it is traditionally observed on April 23.
Why do you write?
To hold, as 'twere, the mirror up to nature; to show virtue her own feature, scorn her own image, and the very age and body of the time his form and pressure.