Born With Teeth
BORN WITH TEETH
By Liz Duffy Adams
Directed by Kelli Crump
“Oh Jesus bless us, he is born with teeth!
And so I was, which plainly signified
That I should snarl and bite, play the dog.”
—Henry VI, Part 3
A darkly witty drama, Born With Teeth by Liz Duffy Adams imagines a high-stakes rivalry between two young literary forces: Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare. Set against a backdrop of Elizabethan political unrest in a world ruled by an aging monarch and an oppressive police state, even poets are at risk. When Marlowe and Shakespeare meet in the back room of a pub to collaborate on a cycle of history plays, their partnership quickly becomes a volatile mix of rivalry and attraction.
Adams’s play explores the cost of genius and the danger of artistic expression under authoritarian rule. Don’t miss the Detroit premiere of Born With Teeth, presented by Detroit Mercy Theatre Company.
CONTENT WARNING: Please be advised this play is rated PG-13 due to violence and strong language. Recommended for ages 13+.
Special Events
Friday, January 29 | Opening Night Celebration. Join the cast and crew following the performance for an afterglow in the lower level of the Student Union.
Saturday, January 30 | Community Night. $10 ticket for all patrons.
Sunday, January 31 | CHASS in Conversation. Join in the discussion following the first Sunday’s matinee performance with members of the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences to expand upon themes and ideas from the performance in a talkback.
Thursday, February 4 | UDM Night. $5 tickets for UDM students, faculty, and staff with valid ID.
Saturday, February 6 | High School Night. Free tickets and a talkback with cast and crew following the performance for high school students and their families. Call 313-993-3270 or email theatre@udmercy.edu for details and reservations.