IWD 2024: Can Shakespeare transform marginalised populations?

Published on 8, March, 2024

A new book is challenging whether Shakespeare's plays can still be used as an effective tool for social and political change among marginalised communities in the modern world. 

Based on the findings of Dr Adelle Hulsmeier’s PhD research at the University of Sunderland, the academic questions whether applied theatre’s use of Shakespeare is still relevant today and can have an impact.

Applied theatre is an umbrella term, engaging a wide range of communities such as disability, prisons and therapeutic care, to provoke or shape social change and provide a voice to the vulnerable and marginalised. 

The book - Applied Theatre: A Transformative Encounter? - also takes a critical look at the universal use of Shakespeare and whether the plays of a man who existed more than 400 years ago, can be relevant in marginalised communities in the 21st Century.

Dr Hulsmeier, a Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for Screen Performance, says: “I have always had an affinity towards Shakespeare, not just his plays but where they have been used, and where they are placed geographically. I also have a passion for work that is about social change and has a purpose to make change. 

“I hope this book offers practitioners a critical look around the use of Shakespeare – it does analyse the perpetual use of his work, and this idea of a universalisation of Shakespeare, that he is always just relevant to all people - I question that.”

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Dr Hulsmeier also takes a historical look at some of Shakespeare’s plays in relation to the influences that may have been around at the time it was written. 

She argues: “It is probably more beneficial to have a historical lense on the plays to understand them, as a product of their time to learn something about what was happening at that time and what changes we've maybe made rather than just saying that was ‘universal’ so it was relevant then and it must be relevant now.”

For her research, Dr Hulsmeier also drew on the work of three established British Theatre Companies: The Education Shakespeare Company (prison), the Blue Apple Theatre Company (Disability), and the Combat Veteran Players (therapy).

She adds: “The whole book is about whether you can have a transformative encounter just by exploring Shakespeare, so there is criticality, but also praise for this kind of work. I do argue that applied theatre is still relevant to retain those sorts of relationships with community groups and using Shakespeare to help them understand the world.”

Endorsing Dr Hulsmeier’s work in her book, Tom Magill, Artistic Director Education Shakespeare Company Film, said: “I was excited to find this valuable contribution, demonstrating the transformative power of Applied Shakespeare.”

As we celebrate International Women's Day, Professor Helen Nicholson, Professor of Theatre and Performance at Royal Holloway, London, who specialises in theatre in community settings, said: “Adelle Hulsmeier’s energetic account of how Shakespeare’s plays are applied to educational, community and therapeutic contexts is inspiring. 

“Meticulously researched and accessibly written, this book demonstrates why and how Shakespeare’s plays can engage people living in complex environments in ways that are socially equitable and emotionally powerful. Applied Shakespeare: A Transformative Encounter? asks important questions about how Shakespeare’s plays can create worlds that shape and change lives today.”

To read the book, published by Palgrave Macmillan, click here.