A Journey Through Grief and Shakespeare: Greg Doran's "Walking Shadow"

"Walking Shadow" intertwines two poignant narratives: the diaries of Antony Sher, who passed away from liver cancer in December 2021, and the quest of his partner, Greg Doran, to explore the legacy of Shakespeare through the First Folio. Sher's diaries, written in the months leading to his death, reflect a mix of candor, resilience, and humor as he confronts his illness. He describes cancer as “like a bomb in our household,” illustrating the unpredictable nature of his condition. Despite the gravity of his situation, Sher's writings reveal a deep love for life, shared with Doran, as they find joy in simple pleasures.

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Following Sher's death, Doran, who had stepped down as artistic director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, embarked on an ambitious journey to locate as many of the over 200 existing copies of Shakespeare's First Folio as possible. This endeavor, which he acknowledges as “a massive piece of displacement activity,” serves as both a tribute to Sher and a means of grappling with his grief. Doran's travels take him across the globe, from Britain to North America, Japan, and South Africa, as he seeks to understand Shakespeare's complex legacy.

The Guardian

Throughout his journey, Doran reflects on his memories with Sher, often linking his experiences to Shakespearean themes. For instance, while visiting Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral, he recalls Tony’s funeral and contemplates his own faith. Doran's exploration of the Folios reveals fascinating stories, such as the 1964 incident where a copy was nearly lost to the Vatican after being mistakenly treated as a gift during a recital for Pope Paul VI.

The Guardian

Doran's enthusiasm for the Folios is palpable, as he discovers unique variations among the copies. He speculates on the Brontë sisters' potential interactions with one edition and finds excitement in a Glasgow Folio listing actors' names, evoking the atmosphere of the Globe Theatre.

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Doran's journey also includes significant encounters, such as a meeting with King Charles, who reached out to Sher during his illness and later invited Doran to view the Windsor First Folio. This personal connection adds depth to Doran's exploration, emphasizing the intertwining of personal loss and cultural heritage.

The Guardian

"Walking Shadow" ultimately transcends mere scholarship; it is a profound narrative about how grief can catalyze a quest for meaning. Doran's exploration of the First Folio not only enriches our understanding of Shakespeare's works but also serves as a testament to enduring love and the search for hope in the face of loss. The book stands as a valuable contribution to Shakespearean scholarship while offering a deeply human story of resilience and remembrance.

The Guardian

• “this cancer thing is like a bomb in our household” — Antony Sher, Actor and Writer

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• “as if I am back in the tiring-house of the Globe theatre spotting the actors as they come off stage” — Greg Doran, Author and Director

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• “a massive piece of displacement activity” — Greg Doran, reflecting on his quest.

The Guardian