Shakespeare, Race and Performance

TL;DR

Exploration of race in Shakespeare's works, challenging historical exclusion, and highlighting the importance of diverse representation in theater.

Transcript

• This lecture is dedicated to the memory of Julian Karim. I begin with a story in the late 1990s, when I was a post-graduate. I stumbled upon the topic of race. I was researching early modern cosmetic practices, the as yet unformed beauty industry and the standards that women had to rise up to, and how all of this was mediated through Shakespeare ... Read More

Key Insights

• 👷 Shakespeare's works inherently reflect historical constructions of race and identity, inviting critical analysis and discussions on race in early modern literature.
• 🎭 The lecture underscores the importance of diverse representation in the theater industry to combat institutional racism and foster inclusive artistic practices.
• 💦 Engaging with race in Shakespeare studies serves to uncover overlooked narratives, challenge traditional interpretations, and promote a more nuanced understanding of his works.
• 🎭 The speaker's advocacy for anti-racist approaches in theater production highlights the transformative impact of inclusive casting, programming, and staff diversity.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the speaker's research on race and beauty in Shakespeare intersect with critical texts by scholars like Kim F. Hall?

The speaker's research journey began with exploring early modern cosmetic practices and the politics of beauty in Shakespearean literature, aligning with Kim F. Hall's groundbreaking work on the economies of race and gender in that era.

Q: What challenges did the speaker face in pursuing research on race in Shakespeare and how were they addressed?

The speaker encountered resistance from academic gatekeeping and was discouraged from exploring race in Shakespeare, illustrating the prevalent lack of racial diversity and representation in the UK university system.

Q: How does critical whiteness studies shed light on the concept of "white spaces" in the theater industry?

Critical whiteness studies challenge the notion of white spaces by highlighting the need to recognize whiteness as a racial category, advocating for inclusivity and diversity in casting, staffing, and leadership roles in theaters.

Q: Why is it essential to incorporate anti-racist approaches in staging Shakespeare in theaters?

Incorporating anti-racist approaches in theater productions not only addresses historical exclusion and stereotypes but also enriches the theatrical experience by fostering diverse perspectives and challenging predominant racial narratives.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The lecture discusses the overlooked topic of race in Shakespeare's works, addressing the formation of race and its implications in early modern England.

• It recounts the speaker's personal journey in researching race and beauty in Shakespearean literature, highlighting critical texts by scholars like Kim F. Hall.

• The lecture emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and discussing race in Shakespeare studies, advocating for diverse representation in the theater industry.