A Bridge to Performing Shakespeare: Intersectionality, Perspective, and Reflection

Presenter: Mariah Forster

Co-Presenter(s):
Luis Escobar, Robert Wiles, Tiffani Lopez

Presenter Status: Undergraduate student

Academic Year: 22-23

Semester: Fall

Faculty Mentor: Marie Ramirez Downing

Department: Theatre Arts & Dance

Funding Source/Sponsor: Koret Scholars Program

President's Strategic Plan Goal: Diversity and Social Justice

Abstract:
Every actor at some point in their theatre career will encounter William Shakespeare and be asked to perform either a Sonnet or a Monologue from the cannon of plays. That can be a daunting ask of anyone even a trained professional actor. But, it can especially feel difficult for diverse students of different cultural backgrounds. Even going to see one of Shakespeare’s play produced by a professional company of actors may seem difficult to navigate, understand, and connect with for modern young audiences, particularly college students. For this research, we will determine how students of diverse backgrounds can connect to Shakespeare in a variety of ways. The students will train with a professional Shakespeare Company, see a live Shakespearean performance of Hamlet, and take a workshop with a leading Shakespeare actor/director. Students will then investigate their own complex modern identity and decipher how trainers and producers of Shakespeare’s plays reach past exclusive audiences, and attempt inclusive practices in their work.