MARBLEHEAD LITTLE THEATRE presents sizzling thriller EQUIVOCATION

Originally presented at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in 2009, EQUIVOCATION was hailed by Variety as “one of the most bracingly intelligent, sizzlingly theatrical American plays in a decade……it’s an experience no serious theatergoer will want to miss…!”

Set in London in 1605, the newly enthroned King James I commands Shakespeare to write a propaganda play to implicate the Catholics in the infamous Gunpowder Plot to blow up Parliament. To avoid the gallows and eternal damnation, Shakespeare must learn to “equivocate!”  

“It’s a Shakespearean whodunit, packed with twists and turns, history and humor. It seeks to reveal those responsible for the Gunpowder Plot - an actual attempt to overthrow the English government in 1605. As a nation, we are going through a similar investigation today, so it resonates,” says John Fogle, director.

His 95th full production as director, Fogle says it is his most challenging production yet. “The narrative structure of the play is unique, with 27 scenes. It moves like a fevered dream.” he says. Fogle is the current  Artistic Director of the Mugford Street Players, and former AD of the Salem Theatre Company and the Barton Square Playhouse.

The production is assistant-directed by James Butterfield and produced by Greg Mancusi-Ungaro

The lead role of Shakespeare is performed by Kevin Walker of Marblehead with a supporting cast that includes Jim Butterfield of Portland, OR, Brian Casey ,Brian Thibodeau and Stephen Turner of Salem; Becky Green and Eric Roberts of Beverly, Dave Foye of Swampscott, Dan Kelly of Ipswich, John Melczer of Marblehead, and Mark Borbeau of Boston. Linda Burtt is the costume designer, Greg Mancusi-Ungaro is the lighting designer with Ruth Neeman as the set design consultant. Piper Hall is stage managing the show.