Stream this panel debate, exploring Shakespeare's 'problem' plays from the 2022 Bell Shakespeare National Teacher Conference with the Teacher Membership.
Runtime: 48 mins
The term ‘problem play’ is a category traditionally given to Shakespeare’s plays that do not fit neatly into a particular genre. However, are there plays in our current curricula that might be problematic for other reasons? The Taming of The Shrew, Othello, The Merchant of Venice and Romeo and Juliet are examples of plays that are regularly taught in classrooms, yet are rife with controversy and complexity. Sexism, racism, misogyny, suicide, religious persecution, antisemitism – the list goes on. Are any of Shakespeare’s plays entirely innocent of controversy? This provocative panel debate will ask the big questions about how, why and if we should teach problematic plays from the canon in schools. Bell Shakespeare’s James Evans and Huw McKinnon will be joined by teachers in this spirited conversation.
With James Evans, Huw McKinnon, and teachers.
