Patrick Page, acclaimed actor known for his resonant voice and versatile performances, is bringing his one-man show “All the Devils Are Here: How Shakespeare Invented the Villain” to Boston for a five-night run from October 28 to November 1, presented by ArtsEmerson. The production explores Shakespeare’s transformative impact on the portrayal of villains in drama, tracing how the playwright elevated antagonists from simplistic embodiments of vice to complex, psychologically rich characters.
In a recent video interview, Page emphasized Shakespeare’s pioneering role in developing multifaceted villains whose motivations and personalities resonate with contemporary audiences. He noted that modern viewers now expect villains to possess meaningful backstories and motivations, a standard set by Shakespeare’s work centuries ago. “If someone is watching a Marvel or a DC movie, they damn well expect their villain to have meaningful motivations and believable backstory,” Page said.
The show’s title derives from a line in Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”: “Hell is empty and all the devils are here.” Throughout the performance, Page shifts seamlessly between some of Shakespeare’s most infamous antagonists, including Edmund from "King Lear" and Iago from "Othello," delivering key soliloquies and scenes that highlight the progression of villainy in Shakespeare’s plays. The production combines theatrical performance with insightful commentary on the cultural, historical, and dramatic contexts of these characters.
Page, 64, who originated the role of Hades in the musical “Hadestown,” also discussed how each villain in Shakespeare’s canon represents a distinct evolution in the portrayal of evil. For example, Edmund’s character introduces an ideologically driven villain motivated by social grievance and Machiavellian tactics, while Iago is depicted as a “clinically precise psychopath,” suggesting Shakespeare's acquaintance with such manipulative personalities. Meanwhile, Macbeth marks the playwright’s innovation in depicting the hero’s tragic transformation into a villain—a narrative arc now familiar in modern storytelling.
The Boston engagement of “All the Devils Are Here” will feature post-show discussions lasting 30 to 40 minutes, allowing audiences to engage directly with Page about the themes and characters explored in the performance. Page expressed gratitude for audience interest, acknowledging that one-man Shakespeare shows often face skepticism but that attendees in Boston have remained engaged and curious.
The production serves as both an educational experience and theatrical event, enriching audiences’ understanding of how Shakespeare’s villains continue to influence contemporary portrayals of antagonists in popular culture, from television antiheroes to cinematic villains. Page is also working on a forthcoming book examining Shakespeare’s lasting legacy in defining the archetype of the villain.
“All the Devils Are Here” will run through November 1 at ArtsEmerson, offering theatergoers an opportunity to witness a captivating intersection of classical literature and modern performance.