National Writers Series Presents: Jodi Picoult

NWS welcomes international bestseller Jodi Picoult back to the National Writers Series stage to present her newest novel, By Any Other Name, about two women, centuries apart—one of whom is the real author of Shakespeare’s plays—who are both forced to hide behind another name. Young playwright Melina Green has just written a new work inspired by the life of her Elizabethan ancestor Emilia Bassano. But seeing it performed is unlikely, in a theater world where the playing field isn’t level for women. As Melina wonders if she dares risk failure again, her best friend takes the decision out of her hands and submits the play to a festival under a male pseudonym. In 1581, young Emilia Bassano is a ward of English aristocrats. Guest host - Rochelle Riley.