Fairchild Unlocks Shakespeare's Secret Love

Robert Fairchild's dance-theater work, "Lord Chamberlain's Men," premiering at New York City Center's Fall for Dance Festival, posits that William Shakespeare infused the pain of same-sex longing into his iconic play "Romeo and Juliet." This exploration is fueled by theories surrounding the "lovely boy" to whom Shakespeare addressed numerous sonnets.

Fairchild, an accomplished actor and dancer, developed this concept after reflecting on his own experiences with identity and societal pressures. His personal journey, including his time in conversion therapy and his eventual coming out, informs the creation of this work, which he directs, choreographs, and stars in.

The 30-minute preview of "Lord Chamberlain's Men" will be presented on Thursday and Friday. The project's genesis was sparked during the filming of "Cats" and discussions with Judi Dench about Shakespeare's sonnets.

This endeavor is not the first to suggest a queer interpretation of Shakespeare's life or to present such theories through dance. However, Fairchild's work uniquely blends historical context, such as the Buggery Act of 1533 and the performance norms of Elizabethan theater, with a deeply personal narrative.

Using music by Tchaikovsky, who was gay, and incorporating spoken dialogue, "Lord Chamberlain's Men" aims to make the emotional subtleties of the dance more accessible. Fairchild hopes the production will resonate with audiences by communicating truths that have long been hidden, creating a profound connection.

Stanford Makishi, City Center's artistic director for dance, recognized the risk in commissioning an untested choreographer but found Fairchild's meticulous approach compelling. The veteran playwright Rick Elice and choreographer Sonya Tayeh have contributed to the work's development.