I read all 38 of the officially recognized plays by Shakespeare - one of my reading goals. But there was another play linked to him: Sir Thomas More.
Shakespeare was not main author of this play. He was reportedly called in to help revise it, and added a some lines.
Thus it is not a true Shakespeare play.
But the fact that he helped with a play that celebrates a Catholic hero is interesting, given the anti-Catholic politics of England under Elizabeth I.
Originally written by Anthony Munday and Henry Chettle, it was later heavily revised by Thomas Heywood, Thomas Dekker, and Shakespeare. It's unclear when it was first produced - I saw theories it may hve been performed as early as 1591. It avoids the specific issue that led to the executions of More (and St. John Fisher, and other character), which makes sense given the danger of doing so under Elizabeth, under whom many Catholics were martyred. But More in the play is clearly noble and heroic - which would be a risky thing to suggest given the times.
Why did Shakespeare become involved? Was he just helping friends? Was he doing it as a loyal member of the theater company? Of was there a bit of Catholic sympathy? After all, there are many suggestions that Shakespeare may have been raised as a Catholic, and may even have continued secretly practicing.
Whatever the reason for Shakespeare's involvement, this play certainly is part of his legacy.
Pax et bonum
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