The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) is a comedy play written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield. It is a fast-paced, irreverent condensation of all 37 of William Shakespeare's plays (as traditionally attributed to him) into a single performance, typically lasting under two hours.

The play is known for its physical comedy, audience interaction, and metatheatrical elements, often breaking the fourth wall and acknowledging its own theatricality. The three performers frequently switch roles and use props and costumes in creative and humorous ways to represent multiple characters and scenes.

Popular segments within the abridged performance often include:

• A frenetic and summarized rendition of the tragedies, typically Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, and Macbeth.
• A comedic "performance" of Titus Andronicus presented as a cooking show.
• A rap version of Othello.
• The histories are frequently presented as a football game.
• The comedies are often represented in a more lighthearted, accessible style.

The play’s enduring popularity stems from its accessible and entertaining approach to Shakespeare, making his works humorous and engaging for audiences unfamiliar with or intimidated by the original texts. It is frequently performed by amateur and professional theatre companies alike.

While the play is a comedic take on Shakespeare's works, it demonstrates a knowledge and appreciation for the original material. It is intended as a celebration, rather than a mockery, of Shakespeare's genius.