The Massachusetts Poetry Festival 2015

Shakespeare’s *itches: The Women Talk Back is a poetry musical from the points of view of Shakespeare’s female characters and their contemporary counterparts, including The Dark Lady of the Sonnets teasing Will; Desdemona in a duet with Nicole Brown Simpson; Kate, the shrew, as a contemporary bartender singing a drinking song; Gertrude taunting Ophelia; and Cordelia rapping on the Mountebank William Show. In turns rollicking and moving, bawdy and philosophical, Shakespeare’s *itches gives voice to often victimized characters, and, through poetry and song, restores their power. Written and performed by Emmy nominated poet and troubadour Susanna Rich.