David Esbjornson set to direct ‘Equivocation’ at Geffen Playhouse

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David Esbjornson is slated to direct the upcoming production of Bill Cain’s ‘Equivocation,’ a historical drama set in 17th century England, at the Geffen Playhouse in November.

Esbjornson is the former artistic director of Seattle Repertory and has directed such notable Broadway dramas as Edward Albee’s ‘The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?’ and Arthur Miller’s ‘The Ride Down Mt. Morgan.’ At the Geffen, he has directed Neil Simon’s ‘Rose and Walsh.’

‘Equivocation’ will run at the Geffen Nov. 18 to Dec. 20. The play had its world premiere with a different director in April at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, where it will run through Oct. 31.

The play is a speculative account of how King James I commissioned William Shakespeare to write a propaganda play following a failed assasination attempt on the king and Parliament. In 2008, the play received a grant from the Edgerton Foundation for New American Plays.

Cain is a former Jesuit priest whose play ‘Stand-Up Tragedy’ was produced 20 years ago at the Mark Taper Forum.

-- David Ng

Related coverage: Geffen Playhouse to stage ‘Equivocation,’ with Shakespeare as propaganda tool

Photo: An exterior view of the Geffen Playhouse. Credit: Los Angeles Times