The Dark Lady | Bard on the Beach | Douglas Campbell Theatre | July 3 – September 19, 2025 “It smells like what knowledge should smell like,” says Emilia Bassano as she holds a book up to her nose. Emilia is a strong contender to be the infamous ‘dark lady’ referred to in Shakespeare’s sonnets. This story imagines them as lovers and creative partners. They are both passionate about the arts, poetry, and each other. Jessica B. Hill’s writing is quick-witted and full of smart references. This is the kind of play that would be worth reading to take it all