The Bard in the Borderlands - An Anthology of Shakespeare Appropriations en La Frontera, Volume 1

This volume features a wide range of plays that reimagine Shakespeare works from Borderlands perspectives, celebrating the dynamic, multilingual reworking of canon and place that defines Borderlands Shakespeare and situating these plays within the robust study of Shakespeares global afterlives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 350 pages
Publication date: 16 May 2023
Publisher: Arizona Center for Medieval & Renaissance Studies,US

This remarkable volume showcases a diverse collection of plays that reimagine Shakespearean works from the unique perspectives of the US-Mexico Borderlands. For several decades, Chicanx and Indigenous theater artists have been creatively repurposing Shakespeare's plays to capture the rich histories and diverse realities of the Borderlands region. Their goal has been to create a platform for storytelling that resonates with and represents the La Frontera community.

To celebrate this vibrant tradition, The Bard in the Borderlands: An Anthology of Shakespeare Appropriations en La Frontera brings together a wide array of Borderlands Shakespeare plays for the first time in a comprehensive, open-access scholarly edition. This anthology celebrates the dynamic and multilingual reworking of canon and place that defines Borderlands Shakespeare, while also situating these geographically and temporally diverse plays within the broader study of Shakespeare's global afterlives.

The editors of this anthology provide a critical framework for understanding the artistic and political traditions that shape these plays and the place of Shakespeare within the complex colonial histories of the region. They argue that Borderlands Shakespeare plays go beyond mere reproductions of Shakespeare in new contexts; rather, they employ his work in innovative ways to challenge colonial power structures and envision socially just futures.

Through their creative interpretations and adaptations, these plays offer a fresh lens through which to explore the complexities of identity, power, and cultural heritage in the Borderlands. They challenge traditional narratives and stereotypes, highlighting the resilience and diversity of the communities that have been shaped by the region's history.

The anthology includes a diverse range of plays by both established and emerging theater artists, each bringing their unique perspective and artistic style to the reimagining of Shakespearean works. From tragicomedies to tragedies, from historical dramas to contemporary comedies, these plays offer a rich tapestry of voices and experiences that resonate with audiences on both sides of the border.

In conclusion, The Bard in the Borderlands: An Anthology of Shakespeare Appropriations en La Frontera is a groundbreaking contribution to the field of Shakespeare studies. It showcases the dynamic and innovative ways in which theater artists have been repurposing Shakespeare's plays to reflect the unique perspectives of the US-Mexico Borderlands. By celebrating this rich tradition and providing a critical framework for understanding the artistic and political traditions that shape these plays, the anthology contributes to a broader understanding of Shakespeare's global afterlives and his enduring relevance in contemporary society.

Dimension: 9 x 6 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780866988391