This monologue is a one-man show by Joseph Graves exploring his personal connection to Shakespeare. The performance follows Graves from childhood to adulthood as he discovers and embraces Shakespeare’s works under the guidance of a strict mentor.

About the Show

The performance tells the story of a boy named Joseph who, at six, enters a British boys’ boarding school and encounters the strict, alcoholic headmaster Clive Graves. Through a regimented “Shakespeare education,” the young Joseph experiences confusion, shame, and curiosity as he gradually immerses himself in the world of Shakespeare. Over time, his initial resistance turns into understanding and gratitude, ultimately fostering a lifelong love for the playwright and the theatrical world.

This one-man show transforms Shakespeare’s texts into a vivid, accessible performance. With continuous 80-minute staging, rhythmic recitations, precise movement, and minimal props, Graves brings multiple characters to life, taking the audience through childhood innocence, adult reflection, and the complexities of human experience—love, regret, aging, and mortality.

Cast

• Joseph Graves – American theatre director, Shakespeare expert, and performer. He has directed or produced over 80 plays in China, including 15 first-time Chinese stagings of Western classics. Graves has performed over 100 theatre roles, including Hamlet, King Lear, Macbeth, Henry V, Richard III, Tartuffe, and Vanya. The show is written, directed, and performed by Graves, blending his personal story with his love for Shakespeare.

Why Go

Audiences will experience Shakespeare brought to life through a single performer’s vision. Both seasoned Shakespeare fans and newcomers can appreciate the emotional depth, rhythmic energy, and intimate storytelling. The combination of English performance, Chinese surtitles, and post-show discussions allows for a full and immersive theatrical experience.