Dr Imke Lichterfeld, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms Universität, Bonn, Germany

School of English

11 March 2020, 3-4 pm

O'Rahilly Building, 2.12

Changes from conservative and traditional ‘white male’ Shakespearean casting concepts demonstrate different facets of political, cultural, and gender issues.

This can highlight aspects of a postcolonial nature on the contemporary stage where a more balanced representation of skin colour might reflect the population in a more appropriate way. It can raise questions of a sexual nature, and even interrogate a certain fluidity of gender representation. Today’s colour-blind and gender-blind, or rather colour-conscious and gender-conscious casting can highlight this even further and expand opportunities for contemporary actors and directors.