Shakespeare and Universalisation

This chapter argues how for centuries Shakespeare’s works have been an important source of inspiration for academics and practitioners alike, and many artists are motivated to ‘borrow’ from the bard. His canonical texts appear to inspire and impact those who interact with his plays. His works are also transformed to diverse geographical spaces, alternative cultural environments, and delivered via a range of different theatrical forms. The chapter considers how the longevity of Shakespeare’s work and the lesson to be found therein, appear to connect ideas of relatability and timelessness which is promoted as a reason for his work’s continued use. Shakespeare’s work is justified as being able to ‘transcend’ through time because of its ‘universalising force’, promoting the notion that Shakespeare’s plays deal with ‘eternal’ struggles that can be used to teach an audience lessons about humanity 400 years after they were created.