Compositor E

In 1623, 17-year-old John arrives to work under the mentorship of printer Isaac Jaggard on a commission to typeset Shakespeare's first-ever complete works. As he typesets Macbeth, he weaves his own narrative into the text, questioning who the storytellers are. The play, Compositor E, was longlisted for the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting in 2022 and is now revived to coincide with the 400th anniversary of the publication of the First Folio.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 20 September 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In the bustling city of London in 1623, an apprentice typesetter named John, aged 17, embarks on a remarkable journey under the guidance of the ambitious printer Isaac Jaggard. Their task? To produce the first-ever complete works of Shakespeare. As John meticulously stamps the manuscript of Macbeth onto the page, driven by his troubled past, he inadvertently weaves his own narrative into the text. However, as the ink sets, he begins to ponder the identity of the true storytellers.

Longlisted for the prestigious Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting in 2022, Charlie Dupré's play Compositor E is now being revived to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the publication of the First Folio. This edition is being published in conjunction with the upcoming production at London's Omnibus Theatre in September 2023.

Compositor E delves into the profound power of words and explores the intricate fingerprints that shape and redefine history. Through its captivating narrative, the play invites us to reflect on the many unexpected individuals and circumstances that have left their mark on the course of human events. It serves as a reminder that history is not solely determined by grand narratives and official records but is also shaped by the individual stories and experiences of ordinary people.

As John continues his work, he becomes increasingly aware of the profound impact that his words have on the lives of those around him. He realizes that the stories he sets forth can inspire, educate, and transform. But with this power comes responsibility, and John must navigate the delicate balance between storytelling and truth-telling.

In a world where information is readily accessible and the lines between fact and fiction can blur, Compositor E poses thought-provoking questions about the role of the storyteller. Who is the author of history? How do our personal narratives influence the way we perceive the world? And what are the consequences of manipulating the narrative for personal gain or political purposes?

Through its exploration of these themes, Compositor E offers a powerful commentary on the human condition. It reminds us that history is not fixed and that our actions and choices can shape the future in ways we cannot predict. It encourages us to be mindful of the stories we tell ourselves and others, to seek truth and authenticity, and to strive for a more inclusive and equitable world.

As the production of Compositor E approaches, audiences are eagerly anticipating the chance to witness this captivating play and engage with its thought-provoking themes. It is a testament to the enduring power of words and the potential for theatre to inspire, challenge, and transform us.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350445161