THE SHAKESPEARE ENIGMA
1 x 52'
William Shakespeare is the world's most famous literary figure - yet little is known about the man from Stratford-upon-Avon whose genius belies his humble upbringing. Many aspects of his life are legend rather
than fact. So what was he really like? Experts have been trying to uncover the truth for more than 200 years and doubts have emerged about whether Shakespeare actually wrote the plays, which bear his name.
The Shakespeare Enigma examines the cases of the four protagonists who it is claimed were responsible for the world's finest plays.
The orthodox case is presented by Professor Stanley Wells of the Shakespeare Birthplace
Trust. He argues that sufficient evidence has been handed down from the 16th and 17th centuries to prove that Shakespeare wrote the plays and those who don't believe it are "crackpots".
Francis Car expounds the explosive theory that the philosopher and statesman Francis Bacon the illegitimate son of Queen Elizabeth I as well as being the true author. Mark Rylance, artistic
director of Shakespeare's Globe in London, also believes Bacon could have been the author and gives his first television interview on the subject
Author A D Wraight promotes the theory that Christopher Marlowe, a secret agent as well as a dramatist, faked his own death to avoid being tortured by the authorities for his atheist views.
He fled abroad and sent back plays that were published under the name William Shakespeare.
Two members of the de Vere Society discuss how the scandalous Edward de Vere, Earl of
Oxford, was the mysterious playwright who adopted the name Shakespeare. They disagree with experts about the dating of the plays and claim they were written much earlier than we believe.
Viewers are left to make up their own mind about the author's true identity. Although they are assured that the magic of Shakespeare will live on no matter who wrote the plays.
Producer: Steve Orme Productions
Availability: Worldwide all media.