Shakespeare’s place at the apex of the Euro-centric classical canon has allowed the plays to sometimes be presented in ways which demeaned, erased or appropriated other cultures. And while written before modern concepts of ‘race’ and ‘racism’ existed, the narratives and language can seem to promote anti-blackness, especially as heard through the lens of modern America. We, at Elm Shakespeare Company, believe in the transformative power of these plays and are committed to creating theatre that uplifts everyone in our community. We invite you to join an exploration of the issues raised at the intersection of race and Shakespeare, seek to understand and amplify BIPOC artists’ experience of these plays and poetry, and ask the question of how Shakespeare can serve our community today.
PERFORMANCE: AMERICAN MOOR
This event happened on October 29, 2020.
Join Keith Hamilton Cobb on Zoom as he shares a rarely-seen video of his award-winning show AMERICAN MOOR as it was performed at Shakespeare’s Globe, London, UK in 2018, followed by a discussion of who gets to make art in America today, who owns Shakespeare, and the nature of unadulterated love.
Unfortunately, the event only occurred live, and we cannot share the video. However, we encourage you to find out more about the playwright/performer Keith Hamilton Cobb, read the script, and find out about upcoming performances HERE.
BIPOC DIRECTORS FORUM
This event happened on November 12, 2020.
An online panel discussion exploring the challenges, joys, and possibilities of directing Shakespeare in America and how to best serve the diverse audiences of today’s and tomorrow’s theater. Including directors: L. Peter Callender, Carl Cofield, Antonio Ocampo Guzman, Madeline Sayet, and Dawn Monique Williams.
Did you miss it? Click on the picture to see a replay of the event.
Click here to read more information about the directors.
PERFORMANCE:
BECOMING OTHELLO-A BLACK GIRL’S JOURNEY
This event happened on November 19, 2020.
Harlem Shakespeare Festival’s Artistic Director, Debra Ann Byrd performed and discussed BECOMING OTHELLO: A BLACK GIRL’S JOURNEY, her living memoir about a young woman’s trials and triumphs with race and the classics, and her gender-flipped journey on the road to becoming Shakespeare's noble, flawed general. Directed by Tina Packer and developed at Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust and Folger Library.
Unfortunately, the event only occurred live, and we cannot share the video. However, we encourage you to find out more about the playwright/performer Debra Ann Byrd and find out about upcoming performances HERE.
WHOSE SHAKESPEARE?
A CONVERSATION WITH AYANNA THOMPSON
This event happened on December 4, 2020.
Join award winning director Dawn Monique Williams in conversation with acclaimed scholar Ayanna Thompson for a conversation about issues of race and Shakespeare including the changing practices and perceptions of ‘colorblind casting’, if and how ‘authenticity’ is possible in Shakespeare education and reform programs, and this moment in American theater.
Did you miss it? Click on the picture to see a replay of the event.
Click here to read more information
A CELEBRATION OF BIPOC PERFORMANCE
This event happened on December 12th.
An evening of Shakespeare performances by professional BIPOC Artists, followed by a discussion on the joys and challenges of bringing these roles to life, actor training, and what a new generation of BIPOC actors in love with Shakespeare should know. All donations made this evening will support BIPOC participants in Elm Shakespeare’s College Apprenticeship Program.
Did you miss it? Click on the picture to see a replay of the event.
Click here to read more information about all the performers.
