Mortal Terror

Set against the backdrop of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot, the story explores Shakespeare's precarious position as he navigates political tensions while commissioned by King James to create a play that legitimizes his reign. The narrative delves into the complexities of loyalty and survival during a time of upheaval, revealing how these themes influence the creation of Macbeth. This work is the second installment in Robert Brustein's trilogy about Shakespeare, following The English Channel and leading into the concluding piece.