Mark Twain's 'Is Shakespeare Dead?'

By Keir Cutler

Mark Twain's hilarious (1909) debunking of the myth that William Shakespeare wrote the works of Shakespeare, adapted as a monologue for the stage by Keir Cutler, PhD. Performed across Canada and the US since 2002.

"Cutler humorously distills Twain's thesis that Shakespeare didn't actually write the great works attributed to him. It's a compelling argument . . . to great comic effect. . . . Cutler gives a strong and entertaining performance!" From the Orlando Sentinel review in 2014.

"Everyone will leave convinced the English-speaking world's greatest playwright is a hoax ... witty and compelling show." From the Winnipeg Free Press review 2003.

Listing the handful of established facts of Shakespeare's life, Twain ridicules the fantasy that a largely uneducated youth could have wandered into London and, with virtually none of the necessary skills, become the greatest author in English literature.

Keir Cutler adapted Twain's "Is Shakespeare Dead?" because he feels people should at least be aware of the case that can be made against Shakespeare from Stratford. Keir does not support the candidacy of any alternative author to the man from Stratford.

What is ignored by people in general, and academics in particular, is the breadth of Shakespeare's knowledge of law, philosophy, classical literature, ancient and modern history, mathematics, music, medicine, art, astronomy, military and naval terminology, English, French and Italian court life, and especially his comprehension of multiple languages. Shakespeare added hundreds of new words to the English language: all these words culled from other languages, both ancient and modern. And Shakespeare did all this without leaving a single trace of his skill? Nothing? No play, no poem, no letter in his own hand? And no mention of any writing is his long and detailed will?

Clearly there is a Shakespeare Authorship Question that can not be ignored.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Keir Cutler
• Release date: Jul 4, 2014
• ISBN: 9780991928026

Keir Cutler

BIOGRAPHY - KEIR CUTLER, PhD Keir Cutler has been called "a fine storyteller . . . an amazing lesson," (The Charlebois Post, 2014) "brimming with insight, social satire and laughs," (theatromania.ca, 2013) "gloriously funny," (Orlando Sentinel, 2013) "funny, informative, and entertaining," (NOW Magazine, Toronto, 2013) "simply fantastic," (bloodyunderrated.net, 2013) "brilliant," (Mooney on Theatre, Toronto, 2010.) "a phenomenal performer," (winnipegonstage.com, 2008.) "supremely witty," (Edmonton Journal, 2008.) "consistently intelligent," (CBC, Edmonton, 2008.) "one of solo theatre's superstars." (Montreal Gazette, 2007) "captivating," (Saskatoon Star Phoenix, 2006.) "riveting," (Montreal Mirror, 2006.) "absolutely hilarious," (Victoria Times Colunist, 2004) "a real theatrical gift," (Ottawa Citizen, 2003.) "a cunning performer," (drama.ca, 2003.) "a masterful entertainer," (Winnipeg Free Press, 2001.) "a marvel to watch," (Toronto Sun, 2000.) "formidably delightful," (Off-Off Broadway Review, New York, 2000.) "a penetrating presence," (Backstage, New York, 2000.) "blisteringly funny," (Hour, Montreal, 1999.) Keir has an M.A. and Ph.D. in theatre from Wayne State University in Detroit, a playwriting diploma from the National Theatre School of Canada and has a B.A from McGill University. He is the playwright/performer of nine monologues and one two-character theatre play. His solo works include the multiple-award-winning, "Teaching Shakespeare: A Parody" (French translation, "Fou de Shakespeare"), "Teaching Detroit," a monologue adaptation of "Mark Twain's Is Shakespeare Dead?," "Teaching Witchcraft," "Lunatic Van Beethoven," "Teaching As You Like It," "Teaching the Fringe," "Rant Demon," and "Shakespeare Crackpot." He is also the author of the comic two-hander, "Teaching Hamlet." Keir has performed his works across Canada, in New York City and other American cities. Four of his solo shows are on video and have been broadcasted on television by BRAVO!/CANADA. He is a signatory of and videospokesman for the "Declaration of Reasonable Doubt About the Identity of William Shakespeare." Keir received the "Distinguished Achievement in the Arts Award" in 2014, from the Shakespeare Authorship Research Centre at Concordia University in Portland, Oregon: an award previously given to Sir Derek Jacobi, Mark Rylance, Michael York, and Roland Emmerich. He has appeared in many local television and film projects filmed in the Montreal area. Notable performances include work with Jennifer Love Hewitt in "The Audrey Hepburn Story," and with Julien Poulin in "Bob Gratton- Ma Vie My Life." In the late 1970s, Keir played football at McGill University. He once scored three touchdowns in a single game against Concordia University. He was drafted by the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League, but did not make the team. Keir is married and lives in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

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