English Literature: Shakespeare On and Off the Page with Dr Ian Burrows from The University of Bristol

In this session Paul will give a brief introduction to the material circumstances of Shakespeare’s theatre (setting, props, costumes etc) and will then provide a few different extracts for discussion in the light of that introduction. Among others we will consider extracts from Antony and Cleopatra (no prior reading necessary) and King Lear (likewise).

Following discussion of how these extracts might be read differently when considered as physical performances, we’ll then consider an extract from Lear as it appears in print in various editions. This will introduce some ideas of textual variants and the circumstances of textual production, and will invite students to consider their own modern editions as starting points for research rather than authoritative in themselves.

Lecturer Biography: Dr Ian Burrows

Suitable for: Year 12 & 13 – Students working on any Shakespeare or early modern plays; useful too for students working on any dramatic texts more generally. Examples of close analysis and discussion of extracts similar to that conducted in university English tutorials

Preparation/Pre-reading: There is no pre-reading or preparation required for this session.