Queering Shakespeare: Much Ado About Nothing Through Education and Performance

Abstract

This thesis documents my directing process of Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare. In it, I discuss literary criticism of the work, its relationship to the rest of the work in the canon, my directing process from start to finish, and a reflection thereof. A core theme of the work is a unique gender queerness I found in the characters of Beatrice and Benedick. I hope my submission contributes to further queer readings of Shakespeare, and a renewed interest in the importance of inclusive theater making. I wish to dedicate this thesis to the work of teachers throughout the world. You save lives and inspire students every day with your endless care and enthusiasm!

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Keywords

Theater, Shakespeare, Theater Education, Queer Theater, Shakespeare in Performance, Directing Shakespeare

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