By Julia Ben-Asher

Roland Emmerich’s newly released film “Anonymous,” which premiered in theaters last Friday, October 28, is based on the premise that the man known to the world as William Shakespeare did not actually write the alleged 37 plays, 154 sonnets, and several epic poems with which he is credited. “We’ve all been played,” the tagline taunts. Here’s what several Lafayette professors had to say about the theory:

Suzanne Westfall, Professor of English and Theater:

“The movie is exceptionally stupid. The most disturbing thing about it is that it stirs up everyone’s love for a conspiracy theory. It means we’ve got to go back into the trenches of whether Shakespeare wrote this or not. The theory is saying that someone who isn’t noble couldn’t write good stuff.”

James Woolley, Professor of English:

“I think it’s extremely likely that the actual William Shakespeare wrote the works attributed to him.”

Asma Sayeed, Professor of Religious Studies:

“If Shakespeare was not the author, it would surprise me that we haven’t discovered this yet. It’s a reflection of the extent of his authority and influence that people are even debating the authorship of his works. I’d be curious to see what evidence the movie presents.”

Carolynn Van Dyke, Professor of English:

“The movie’s theory is nothing new. It’s unsubstantiated–there are historical facts that don’t check out. As an informational film it doesn’t hold much water, but I’ve heard it’s a good film if you’re not looking for education.”