Prague Shakespeare Company (PSC) will present the European premiere of Muse of Fire, a new play by American playwright Lauren M. Gunderson.

The production marks Gunderson’s first appearance on a European stage.

Performances will take place on October 10, 11, 17, and 18, 2025, at Divadlo Na Pradle. Get your tickets here. 

Directed by Evren Odcikin, Muse of Fire is a two-person play that explores the life and marriage of William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway during the period of his retirement from London.

The story focuses on the personal and creative challenges Shakespeare faced, as well as the dynamics of his relationship with Anne Hathaway. Gunderson stars as Anne Hathaway, with Casey Murphy portraying Shakespeare.

Following each performance, audiences are invited to participate in a Talk-Back session with the artists, offering a chance to discuss the play and its themes directly with the creators.

In addition to the performances, PSC will host a three-day workshop from October 14-16, 2025, on writing and developing new plays. Led by Gunderson and Odcikin, the workshop provides a limited number of participants—writers, directors, and actors—with mentorship and practical guidance in creating new theatre work.

The program will culminate in a professional New Work Showcase in November. More information is available at PSC website

About the Artists

Lauren M. Gunderson is an American playwright and actor. Her works include I and You, The Book of Will, and The Revolutionists, and she has written books for several musicals, including The Time Traveller’s Wife.

Evren Odcikin is a Turkish-American director and writer. He has directed productions at major theatres in the U.S., including Soho Rep, Berkeley Rep, Woolly Mammoth, and Golden Thread, and served as Interim Artistic Director at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

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