About Shakespeare: Bodies, Spaces and Texts

Shakespeare in contemporary performance is about deflection, evasion, and circumnavigation, drawing on the work of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare's Globe Company, and the Schaubühne Berlin. It examines the texts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2020
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Shakespeare in contemporary performance is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that warrants careful exploration. While it may claim to be a direct translation of Shakespeare's texts to the stage, the process of making Shakespeare into performances is far from straightforward. It involves a series of deflections, evasions, and circumventions that challenge the traditional linear narrative and seek to reimagine and revitalize the playwright's works.

One of the key aspects of Shakespeare in contemporary performance is the examination of theatrical bodies. These bodies include not only the actors who perform the plays words. but also the audiences who witness the plays. The spaces inhabited by actors and audiences are crucial in shaping the interpretation and reception of Shakespeare's texts. The Royal Shakespeare Company, for example, has been at the forefront. forefront of exploring the relationship between theatrical bodies and the spaces they inhabit. Their innovative productions have pushed the boundaries of traditional theater, incorporating elements of physical theater, multimedia, and immersive experiences to create a unique and dynamic interpretation of Shakespeare's plays.

Similarly, Shakespeare's Globe. and the Schaubühne Berlin have also been instrumental in exploring the spaces inhabited by actors and audiences. Their collaborative productions have blurred the lines between performer and spectator, challenging the traditional hierarchies of power and authority. By creating immersive and interactive environments, they have encouraged audiences to engage with the plays on a deeper level, questioning their own perceptions and experiences of the world.

Another important aspect of Shakespeare in contemporary performance is the circulation of texts. Shakespeare's plays have been translated into countless languages and adapted for various theatrical contexts, from traditional theater to film, television, and even video games. The process of translation and adaptation involves a series of negotiations and compromises, as translators and adapters attempt to capture the essence of Shakespeare's language and themes while adapting them to different cultural and artistic contexts.

About Shakespeare, a book by Simon Schama, examines the theatrical bodies, the spaces inhabited by actors and audiences, and the texts that circulate around and between them. Schama's work is a comprehensive exploration of the ways in which Shakespeare's plays have been interpreted to create new meanings. and innovative performances that challenge the traditional understanding of the playwright. He argues that Shakespeare's plays are not simply about the past, but about the present and the future, and that they continue to resonate with audiences today because of their ability to reflect the complexities of human experience and the challenges of contemporary society.

In conclusion, Shakespeare in contemporary performance is a dynamic and multifaceted phenomenon that requires careful exploration. It involves a series of deflections, evasions, and circumventions that challenge the traditional linear narrative and seek to reimagine and revitalize the playwright. The examination of theatrical bodies, the spaces inhabited by actors and audiences, and the circulation of texts are all crucial aspects of this phenomenon. By exploring these aspects, we can gain a deeper understanding of Shakespeare's plays and their enduring relevance to contemporary society.

Weight: 84g
Dimension: 128 x 178 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108725484