Brustein, the founding artistic director of the American Repertory Theater, penned the work that centers on the latter years of Shakespeare's life. It runs through Feb. 24 at Suffolk University. The two earlier plays in the trilogy include The English Channel and Mortal Terror.

Last Will marks the first indoor staging by Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, which produces free outdoor theatre in Boston Common each summer.

Here's how it is billed: "The Last Will finds William Shakespeare retired at his country home on Stratford after decades of struggle and success in the city of London. In the last stages of a fatal illness, his deteriorating mind obliterates the distinction between fiction and fact, and the playwright begins acting as a character in his own plays. Richard Burbage, leader of Shakespeare's acting company, attempts to persuade him to return to London and to playwriting, as Will wrestles with his suspicions, delusions, family resentment, and final testaments."

Steven Maler directs the Boston world premiere, which features Allyn Burrows as William Shakespeare, Brooke Adams as Anne Hathaway, Stacy Fisher as Judith Shakespeare, Merritt Janson as Susanna Shakespeare, Bill Meleady as Francis Collins and Jeremiah Kissel as Richard Burbage.

It has set design by Eric Levenson, costume design by Nancy Leary, lighting design by Eric Southern and sound design by David Remedios.

Following the world premiere, Last Will will make its New York debut at the Abingdon Theatre Company Off-Broadway in April, with Tony nominee Austin Pendleton directing.

For tickets, visit moderntheatre.com, or phone (800) 440-7654. Suffolk's Modern Theatre is located at 525 Washington Street in Boston, MA.