This subfield focuses on the ways Shakespearean plays have been received over time and their impact on the theater industry.
Elizabethan England: Understanding the historical context in which Shakespeare wrote his plays is crucial to understanding their cultural significance and impact.
The Globe Theatre: Learning about the architecture and design of the performance space where Shakespeare's plays were originally performed can provide insight into their staging and reception.
Performance practices: Familiarizing oneself with the conventions of acting, staging, and audience interaction that were common in Shakespearean theatre can deepen one's understanding of the plays.
Early Modern English: Becoming comfortable with the unique vocabulary, grammar, and syntax of Shakespeare's language is essential for understanding and appreciating his works.
Play analysis: Learning to analyze the structure, themes, and symbolism of Shakespeare's plays can reveal their complexity and cultural resonance.
Post-colonial and feminist perspectives: Examining the ways in which Shakespeare's works have been appropriated and reinterpreted by later generations can illuminate issues of identity, power, and representation.
Theater history: Studying the broader historical and cultural context of theatrical performance can provide insights into the evolution of Shakespearean theater and its place within larger cultural trends.
Reception studies: Examining the ways in which Shakespeare's works have been received and interpreted by audiences throughout history can reveal changing attitudes towards issues such as gender, class, and race.
Adaptation and appropriation: Exploring how Shakespeare's plays have been adapted for different mediums and cultures can highlight their enduring relevance and flexibility.
Performance theory: Familiarizing oneself with various critical approaches to performance, such as phenomenology, semiotics, and post-structuralism, can deepen one's understanding of the theatrical experience.
Early Modern Performances: These are the performances of Shakespeare's plays that were staged during his lifetime (1564-1616) and shortly after his death.
Restoration Performances: These are the revivals of Shakespeare's plays that took place during the Restoration period (1660-1700) after they had been banned for a while.
Georgian Performances: These are the productions of Shakespeare's plays that took place during the Georgian period (1714-1830) with their focus on spectacle and pageantry.
Victorian Performances: These are the productions of Shakespeare's plays that took place during the Victorian period (1837-1901) with an emphasis on realism.
Modern Performances: These are the productions of Shakespeare's plays that took place during the 20th century, featuring various innovative approaches such as reinterpretations, adaptations, and experimental versions.
Cultural Reception: This refers to the way in which Shakespeare's works have been received and interpreted in various cultures throughout history, such as adaptations for film and television, translations, and parodies. It also includes the ongoing debates regarding the relevance and meaning of his works in contemporary society.