There is perhaps no name more synonymous with English stage plays of the latter portions of the Middle Ages than that of William Shakespeare, whose bodywork continues to be taught, performed, and analyzed to this day, making him perhaps one of the most influential English writers of all time whose work has influenced countless other adaptations, rewrites, and explorations of diverse themes and unique subject matters. Though there has been debate as to whether Shakespeare produced his original works, the fact remains that his catalog is intact given the sheer breadth of content he made throughout his illustrious career, including poetry, stage plays, and even theatrical performances as an actor.
Shakespeare's life is shrouded in mystery, adding to the allure of his legend. Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, he married Anne Hathaway at the age of eighteen and fathered three children before relocating to London and joining the theatrical company known as Lord Chamberlain's Men, later dubbing themselves The King's Men. This image, produced some three years prior to his retirement in 1613, remains one of the most iconic pieces to depict this literary legend to this day. Despite the lack of known documentation regarding his personal life, Shakespeare's career was prolific, producing numerous live performances and plays that continue to serve as a groundwork for writers to this day.
Many of Shakespeare's most famous works have been adapted for the cinema, performed in Shakespeare festivals across the globe, and adapted into some of the most famous works of the twenty-first and twenty-first centuries.