Synopsis: How did Shakespeare become Shakespeare? This is the story of the 50 year old William Shakespeare, exhausted and retiring to his home in Stratford to rest on his laurels and die. Instead, responding to a dare, he confronts the ghosts of his past, including an ambitious, alcoholic father and an on-going religious war. As he relives the losses, betrayals and dangers of his youth, we discover the source of his genius.

The Argument: Have you ever dreamt of a story and characters that you thought would never have the opportunity to see come to life on the stage? Those stories, lost in years of imagination can be found at the Helen Borgers 2025 New Works Festival. The time is right to see your show, your lost dreams, on our stage!