Richard Burbage (illustrated by Anna Hybsier)

Richard Burbage was a famous English actor who lived between 1567-1619. He played the title role in many of Shakespeare’s plays, including King Lear, Hamlet and Othello. He also was one of the actors who was part of the first performance of A Midsummer Nights Dream on June 23rd, 1593 in Wilmington, England. He played the part of Auberon.

During the intermission Burbage spoke to the actual Auberon and requested gold for their performance. Auberon gave him a sack of gold coins.

The following morning, when Lord Strange’s Men awoke, as if from an unusal dream, Richard Burbage opened up the bag of gold and found only flower petals inside.

Richard Burbage appears throughout Sandman # 19.

I enjoyed Anna’s use of the masks to show his role in theatre. His laugh lines give Burbage character and add a sense of charm. I really like this portrait!!!