Topic for Spring 2027: Shakespeare in Performance Around the Globe

The globalization of Shakespeare has only accelerated in the past quarter century, generating a trove of new stage productions, films and adaptations that continue to re-imagine, challenge and revitalize Shakespeare. This course will explore some of the more striking examples, in both English and other languages. In the process, we will also investigate what concepts like authenticity, translation, and adaptation mean in an intercultural context. Although the syllabus will be finalized later to accommodate possible local productions, likely works will include: a Korean stage version and an LGBTQ film of A Midsummer Night's Dream, an Arab Richard III, a Chinese film adaptation of Hamlet (The Banquet), Spanish and Indian retellings of Othello, and a Japanese film adaptation of Macbeth.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 15

Prerequisites: Open to all students who have taken two literature courses in the department, at least one of which must be 200 level, or by permission of the instructor to other qualified students.

Distribution Requirements: ARS - Visual Arts, Music, Theater, Film and Video; LL - Language and Literature

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring

Notes: This is a topics course and can be taken more than once for credit as long as the topic is different each time.