It Ever Was
An experimental audio artwork created by artist Dr Rosie Poebright, in response to exploring the SBT collections
“This above all: to thine own self be true”
— Hamlet, Act 1 Scene 3
Over the centuries, history has often been seen through the lens of the people who wrote the books, which means many perspectives have been left out. Particularly those of women, the working class and queer/LGBT people.
This doesn’t mean they weren’t always there.
Artist Rosie Poebright from Splash & Ripple explored the collections of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and uncovered evidence of women living at the same time as Shakespeare wearing men’s clothes. They also discovered the story of Joan Hart, William Shakespeare’s sister, who when William died, was left his clothing in his will.
Inspired by this exploration of the collection, as well as William’s written work, Rosie has created a personal reflection on what they imagined Joan could have done with her brother’s clothes.
We will never know what Joan did with her brother’s wardrobe. This work is an opportunity to look at the past through the personal perspective of an artist. Not to change history but to explore it in a different way.
It Ever Was will be installed in the Shakespeare Birthplace Garden from Friday 16 August and is included in admission.
You can listen to Rosie’s work, It Ever Was, comprised of 2 audio pieces each 10 mins long, and discover more about their viewpoint of reclaiming the narrative of women of the past to help better understand our own stories in the present.
Content Warning:
An audio piece about gender nonconformity both in the 16th century and now including:
- news clips about sexuality and gender
- 16th century disparaging language around gender nonconformity
- a brief description of a homophobic incident where someone is restrained (halfway in part 2).
Part of SBT’s Celebration of Warwickshire Pride.
It Ever Was
Written, directed and produced by Rosie Poebright.
Joan Shakespeare (Joan Hart) played by Megan Vaughan-Thomas.
Philip Stubbs by Tom Fletcher.
Interview with Rachael from Bristol Butch Bar.
Sound by Dalia Quazi.
Bristol Butch Bar community can be found on instagram: @BristolButchBar
An audio piece created for Shakespeare Birthplace Trust by Splash & Ripple.
Sources:
Anatomie of Abuses - 3rd ed 1585, by Phillip Stubbs
Shakespeare and the Bawdy Court of Stratford, p.110, 1972, by E.R.C. Brinkworth
Shakepeare’s Will
Moll Cutpurse; Randall S. Nakayama (March 1993). The life and death of Mrs. Mary Frith: commonly called Moll Cutpurse, 1662 with a facsimile of the original edition. Garland.
As You Like It
Measure for measure
Hamlet
Sonnets 29 & 116
For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings, That then I scorn to change my state with kings.
— Sonnet 29
Love is not love which alters where it alteration finds, Or bends with the remover to remove.
— Sonnet 116
This above all: to thine own self be true
— Hamlet, Act 1 Scene 3
Our doubts are oft traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt
— Measure for Measure, Act 1 Scene 4
All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts.
— As You Like It, Act 2 Scene 7
As doublet and hose ought to show itself courageous to petticoat: therefore, courage
— As You Like It, Act 2 Scene 4
To hide us from pursuit that will be made after my flight. Now go we in content To liberty and not to banishment.
— As You Like It, Act 1 Scene 3