Pitt English Nationality Room to Host Actress, Playwright, and Pitt Alumna Yvonne Hudson in Mrs. Shakespeare, Will's First and Last Love

PITTSBURGH—Yvonne Hudson, University of Pittsburgh alumna and local actress and playwright, will kick off a season of performances of her own play, Mrs. Shakespeare, Will's First and Last Love, at 7 p.m. Sept. 30 in the English Nationality Classroom,

Room 144, Cathedral of Learning, 4200 Fifth Ave., Oakland.

The 75-minute one-woman performance, written by Hudson, brings to light the intricate trials, tribulations, and musings of Shakespeare's wife, Anne Hathaway. Hudson's play, comprising soliloquy, sonnets, and songs, provides a medium for Hathaway's compelling story.

Originally Hudson's thesis project for the Master of Arts degree in theater at Pitt,

Mrs. Shakespeare was performed at Tribeca Playhouse in 2002 and was featured twice in the Womenkind Festival of one-women shows. Hudson also has performed her work in the Tower of London during the International Museum Theatre Alliance conference. In addition to her Pitt degree, Hudson earned the Bachelor of Arts degrees in journalism and psychology at Point Park University. Hudson's other performances include costumed readings as Victorian actress-manager Laura Keene and poet Emily Dickinson.

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. Sept. 30, Oct. 1, Nov. 10-11, and

Dec. 2-3, and 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21. Saturday and Sunday matinees are 4 p.m. Oct. 2 and

Nov. 3, and 4:30 p.m. Dec. 3-4. General admission is $12; groups and seniors, $10; Pitt faculty and staff with a valid Pitt ID, $10; students with ID, $8; and children under 12, free. Due to limited seating, reservations or arriving 30 minutes prior to each performance is recommended. A discussion with Hudson will follow each performance.

For more information, e-mail MrsShakespeare2005@yahoo.com. Tickets can be purchased through New Place Collaborations, 412-512-0589.

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9/27/05/blg