Roundtable Discussion:
“Shakespeare Studies and Performance in the Post-Covid Era: Challenges and New Directions”
We cordially invite you to join us in the 70-minute round-table discussion on "Shakespeare Studies and Performance in the Post-Covid 19 Era" as the final event of SAK’s 2023 international conference. This round-table discussion aims to explore the profound impact of the Covid-19 on Shakespeare studies, performance, and education and thus speculate new directions we may take in the coming years.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, we have witnessed radical shifts in how scholars, performers, and educators do their usual(?) businesses. The sudden halt to live performances, closure of theaters and libraries, and limitations on physical gatherings forced the field to adapt rapidly and innovatively. In response to the crisis, scholars had been forced to embrace digital platforms for research, teaching, and conferences, leading to both opportunities and challenges in accessing and sharing knowledge. Meanwhile, performers and directors grappled with innovative ways of engaging audiences through virtual performances and online collaborations, reimagining the relationship between Shakespeare's texts and contemporary audiences.
Like it or not, the pandemic crisis has compelled us to reevaluate the significance of digital humanities and online pedagogy, prompting a necessary reconsideration of how we disseminate Shakespearean knowledge and engage with audiences. Moreover, it highlighted the importance of global collaboration and the need to be adaptable in the face of uncertainties. It seems the case that we must explore the potential of hybrid approaches, where the best of virtual and physical interactions can be harmonized to maximize the reach and impact of Shakespeare studies.
This roundtable discussion is thus expected to address such topics as the future of performance, the intersection of technology and traditional scholarship, the innovation of pedagogical practices, and the role of Shakespeare studies in promoting cultural understanding and inclusivity in a rapidly changing world. In addition, we may think of how to actualize the potential for cross-cultural exchanges, interdisciplinary research, and innovative ways of connecting with diverse audiences, seeking to strengthen the foundation of Shakespeare studies in the post-pandemic era.
We cordially extend this invitation to you for your invaluable insights and expertise to this critical dialogue. Your participation will enrich the discourse and chart a collective course for the future of Shakespeare studies as we navigate the challenges and opportunities presented in the wake of the pandemic.