Shakespeare between Interculturalism and Cultural Imperialism

Shakespeare between Interculturalism and Cultural Imperialism

Dumitraskovic, Tatjana

Shakespeare is a most active participant in so-called intercultural theatre. This essay tries to determine the position of Shakespeare in intercultural discussions which consist of the two important issues: cultural equality and authenticity. Most of intercultural Shakespeare productions include non-western cultural elements which are employed merely to decorate the framework of Shakespearean plot, character and theme. While intercultural approaches to Shakespeare produce cultural equality they also lose Shakespearean authenticity. However, there are so many intercultural Shakespeare productions in which the use of Shakespeare makes certain the delivery of universal themes. But, the main structure underneath Shakespeare ``universality`` is global capitalism which creates the illusion of universal Shakespeare in the form of international theatre festivals. The use of Shakespeare gives those international productions a quality of high art and makes certain easy circulation in the countries that are under Western influence. That is why productions announce themselves in public as Shakespearean and intercultural, creating an illusion of utopian cultural pluralism. But, a close analysis of intercultural Shakespeare only reveals the liaison between interculturalism and cultural imperialism.

Conference or Workshop Item
PeerReviewed

2012-05

1016