A light-hearted interview with Dr. William Leahy, Chairman of the SAT
The first in a series of light-hearted interviews.
1. When or where did you first become intrigued with the Shakespearean works?
In 2005 I was asked to write an article for The New Statesman (a politics and culture magazine in the UK) in response to a claim that Francis Bacon was involved in the writing of Shakespeare’s works. It was my first foray into the SAQ—and here I am still (in 2024) working on it.
2. At what point did you begin to question the authorship of shakespeare’s works?
Diana Price's book, Shakespeare's Unorthodox Biography, was the turning point for me. At that time, it confirmed and deepened my own views that there was a problem with the Shakespeare-of-Stratford-as-author narrative, but that evidence did not clearly identify an alternative.
3. What is your favourite shakespearean word or phrase, and what does it mean?
And, lips, oh you the doors of breath, seal with a righteous kiss a dateless bargain to engrossing death. (R&J) “Lips, oh you the doors of breath”—I just love that phrase. The meaning is obvious.
4. What is most memorable Shakespearean performance you have seen?
Either Mark Rylance as Olivia at the Globe in Twelfth Night or Marlon Brando as Antony in the 1953 film of Julius Caesar.
5. What is your favourite Shakespearean insult or term of endearment?
You blocks, you stones, you worse than senseless things . . . (JC)
6. Who is your favourite Shakespearean male character? Why?
Iago—he is just so bad! And I like that he refuses to explain himself at the end. A true malcontent.
7. Who is your favourite Shakespearean female character? Why?
Lady Macbeth—nasty but complex. A very modern woman in many ways.
8. Do you have a favourite play? If so, what appeals to you about it?
I love Julius Caesar. Not many people's choice I know but for me it is such a clear analysis of political conflict and its origins in hubris. Antony's speech over Caesar's body is one of the greatest pieces of rhetoric in existence.
9. What is your least favourite play? Why?
Henry 8 or All is True. Just very dreary and disjointed.
10. What piece of evidence, or lack thereof, convinced you that the authorship of the Shakespearean canon may be in doubt?
It was always clear to me that multiple authors were involved. Just the sheer scale and breadth of the works make that obvious.
11. What is the first sentence you use when introducing the authorship question to those who probably don’t know much about it?
“My research investigates whether Shakespeare wrote the works or not.” I say this because everyone has heard of the SAQ—everyone.
12. What is the one book, talk, paper, movie, or television presentation you consistently suggest to those new to the authorship question?
Diana Price’s book, Shakespeare’s Unorthodox Biography.
13. What is your favourite piece of Shakespeare trivia?
That he was married twice in two days to two different women. When I tell people that they really get interested (mainly because they have never heard that fact and because they cannot understand why they have never heard it).
14. Who is your favourite candidate as author?
Multiple authors over many years.
15. What do you imagine might happen if your candidate is proved to be the author?
In essence, it is now accepted that my author—multiple authors—reflects the truth.
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Dr. Leahy, what a fun format. I suggest all of the SAT board members answer the same questions! And anyone else invited to speak at the annual conference. 👏🏻
Wonderful, Dr. Leahy! Your answers are indeed "llght-hearted" and weighty, as well. Thank you!
That Shakespeare married twice in the way you say is certainly an attention-getter.
The Price books appears to be rather pricey, alas.
I have long favored the idea of a group authorship of the Shakespearean canon, but with a strong woman who was the group's leader, guide, influence and muse; therefore, I am continuing to explore the possibility of Mary Sidney, Countess of Pembroke, as the chief author, and who was an intelligent and probably crafty hostess at her Wilton home, near Salisbury, who invited and welcomed a rather amazing group to explore the English language, in a beautiful place near the banks of a tributary of the river Avon. Oh, I imagine those people had a grand time!
--from Elizabeth West, in Santa Fe, NM, USA
P.S. Do you know when we will be able to attend a performance, in the USA, somewhere west of the Mississippi River, of Mark Rylance's play: "The BIG Secret Live 'I Am Shakespeare' Webcam Daytime Chat-Room Show" ? I was in the audience in Chichester in 2007, and I long to experience it again. (You were there, too, and you know what fun it was!)