HKU Moodle

Through close textual analysis and performance engagements involving three diverse plays – Romeo and Juliet, The Tempest and Hamlet – Global Shakespeare brings students into deeper consideration and application of the language, social context and production of these peerless works. Global Shakespeare presents Shakespeare’s plays through the lenses of relevant, current theories in contemporary literary criticism, including postcolonial perspectives, gender identities, social conflicts and equalities, economic inequalities.

I incorporate theatre performance principles into the analytical process and lead students in discussions of critical theory in relation to Shakespeare plays. In NGL7104, I also explore adaptations of Shakespeare in other artistic forms (including dance, costume, opera, visual art and orchestral music). In this process, I give students the opportunity to consider the psychosocial, political and cultural factors that continually influence interpretation. By the end of ENGL7104, students should possess the knowledge, analytical strategies and production insights that enable effective, insightful criticism of Shakespeare’s work on the page and stage.