Thematic Volume Introduction: Shakespeare and Ideology on Page and Stage

Abstract

The majority of articles presented in this volume are the fruit of the seminar “Shakespeare and Ideology on Page and Stage,” which took place under the auspices of the 20 World Shakespeare Congress “Shakespeare Circuits” in Singapore, 18-24 July 2021. Such Congresses have been organized every five years since 1976 when the idea appeared; each of them in a different location and with a different theme: “Shakespeare, Man of the Theatre” (Stratford-uponAvon, 1981); “Images of Shakespeare” (Berlin, 1986); “Shakespeare and Cultural Traditions” (Tokyo, 1991); “Shakespeare and the Twentieth Century” (Los Angeles, 1996); “Shakespeare and the Mediterranean” (Valencia, 2001); “Shakespeare’s World/World Shakespeares” (Brisbane, 2006); “Renaissance Shakespeare: Shakespeare Renaissances” (Prague, 2011); and “Creating and Recreating Shakespeare” (Stratford-upon-Avon/London, 2016). The Congresses are organized to further the knowledge of Shakespeare at the international arena; and to educate the general/local public of Shakespeare’s works and their importance in culture worldwide. They also serve to promote, and sometimes to establish, national and regional Shakespeare associations, and to assist with in their organizations in a given place. The Congress’s programs are devoted to spreading the ideas of social, political, and cultural diversity and inclusion, always respecting the academic and artistic freedom of expression. They also encourage respect for world cultures, teaching their heritage, wisdom, and values of various civilizations. In 2022, the Congress was hosted by the National University of Singapore, one of the leading universities not only in the Pacific region but also in the world. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Singapore Congress carried on, taking place online. It also included the Digital Asian Shakespeare Festival, featuring performance streaming of Macbeth, Pericles, King Lear, The Tempest,