How did Shakespeare write 37 plays in 23 years? Meet the woman behind the scenes.
In 1587, William Shakespeare’s first play, Henry VI, premieres at James Burbage’s theater in London. It’s a theater Emilia Bassano knows well as she’s tried without success to get Burbage to read her plays. Women in Elizabethan England can’t pursue writing as a profession, but Emilia isn’t going to let that stop her. When she shares her work and frustrations with her friend Will Shakespeare, a plan is hatched that brings her plays to the world under his name.
While Emilia’s plays bring Shakespeare fame, she seeks to find her place in the world. As mistress to the powerful Lord Chamberlain, Henry Carey, she forges relationships with members of Queen Elizabeth I’s innermost circle—and even the Queen herself. All the while keeping her many secrets close and enemies closer.
From London to Venice to Verona, Emilia brings her lived experience to the plays she writes, infusing them with the strength and fiery spirit of a woman born in the wrong time. A woman who sees the injustices that women are forced to accept even as they are ruled by a woman.
Emilia Bassano Lanyer (AKA Amelia Bassano Lanier): a Jewish woman of color, daughter of a musician in Queen Elizabeth l's court, a protofeminist playwright, and poet lost to history.
The most famous writer you’ve never heard of. Until now.
Learn more about the premise and supporting research at ShakespearesConspirator.com
How did Jews escape the Spanish Inquisition when forced to choose between country and faith?
When Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon wed in 1478, they unite their kingdoms and enact plans to transform Spain into a pure Catholic country. They establish the Tribunal of the Holy Office of the Inquisition to enforce their will and expunge heresy, led by the Grand Inquisitor, Friar Tomás de Torquemada.
In 1492 comes the Alhambra Decree, declaring that all remaining Spanish Jews will be expelled from the country in a matter of months. Over a quarter million lives change overnight. Spanish Jews have two choices: become Catholic conversos or flee the country. Anyone who dares to resist will face torture and certain death. Like the fathers of Mazal and Jaco, burned at the stake.
Mazal and Jaco are two young secret Jews drawn to each other, finding hope in the darkest of times, as they plot to escape the horrors of the Spanish Inquisition. Forced to make difficult decisions to survive, they become entangled in a plot to deceive the Grand Inquisitor, sow chaos, and create an opportunity to escape. In league with others, they save the lives of fellow Jews and race to flee a country in which no one can be trusted, and danger lurks everywhere. Only their wits and courage can keep them alive.