Could Emilia have been the “dark lady” of Shakespeare’s sonnets? What of her own poems? Why was her story erased from history?

Join us at the historic Great Barn in Titchfield and celebrate women’s voices through the story of this trailblazing, forgotten woman: Titchfield Festival Theatre’s production of Emilia. This is the first time the show has been performed outside London, where it won three Olivier awards.

Kevin Fraser is Artistic Director of Titchfield Festival Theatre and is directing the play. Kevin said,

“Emilia is a play about an amazing woman whose story is little appreciated – and often overlooked. She was born into a wealthy family, an Italian court musician and is thought to be the first woman to publish a book of original poetry in England. Furthermore, many people consider that Emilia had been Shakespeare’s muse, the ‘dark lady’ of the sonnets, providing the inspiration for many of the Bard’s speeches.

“Emilia has strong local interest, too. Emilia almost certainly visited Titchfield on Elizabeth the 1st's progress to Place House/Titchfield Abbey in 1591. She was a court musician and courtesan to Lord Hunsdon, the Lord Chamberlain. It was at Titchfield - where we believe Shakespeare was in residence and employed by 3rd Earl of Southampton - that Emilia first met Shakespeare.

“Emilia has a fierce, independent feminist spirit. In this wonderful play, Emilia and her sisters reach out to us across the centuries with passion, fury, laughter and song. Listen to them! Let them inspire and unite us! Come along to enjoy what I promise will be a play full of emotion, rage and defiance.”

Titchfield Festival Theatre’s production of Emilia is performed at the Great Barn, Titchfield PO15 5RB on Tuesday 26th July to Saturday 4th August 2022. The shows start at 7.30pm. There is a matinée performance on Sunday 31st July 2022 starting at 2.30pm.

For more information including booking tickets, please go to http://titchfieldfestivaltheatre.com/  or contact our Box Office on 0333 666 3366.