Post-truth Shakespeare

: social politics and contemporary theatrical performance (2016-2022)

Abstract

This thesis offers a new critical look at Shakespeare in the post-truth era, analysing how theatre or productions use Shakespeare to engage with post-truth ideas. It explores five sets of productions derived from five of Shakespeare’s plays, including Julius Caesar, Cymbeline, Richard II, King Lear, and Hamlet to show how Shakespearean productions within the post-truth period speak to and are influenced by specific and urgent concerns. These productions critique subterfuge and hegemonic methods of power and control, and offer more nuanced depictions of history, society, and culture. In this context, this thesis asks the research questions: How do British productions use Shakespeare to address, directly or indirectly, post-truth concepts; to what extent are elements and themes from Shakespeare’s plays drawn out or accentuated to raise awareness and prompt critical thinking regarding the phenomenon of post-truth; and what challenges do contemporary Shakespearean performances face in the era of post-truth thinking? This thesis not only explores how Shakespearean theatre may be interventionist but recognises the idea that creating socio-politically resonant performances may be challenging for directors and theatrical companies in several ways. This thesis has selected significant British productions in this post-truth era to explore how Shakespeare can interrogate post-truth viewpoints.

Thesis is embargoed until 31 December 2028.

Date of Award	Dec 2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Sponsors	Northern Ireland Department for the Economy
Supervisor	Edel Lamb (Supervisor), Ramona Wray (Supervisor) & Tom Harrison (Supervisor)