A Shakespearean affair : an intercultural appropriation

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on the influence and productions of William Shakespeare’s plays throughout the overall development of Maltese theatre history and its cultural and social impact as a consequence thereof. In this way, it aims to follow the form of Shakespearean performance from its roots, to being adapted and used in a different cultural context in Malta since c. 1800, up until today. It goes on to survey exactly how and why this happened, and whether the form itself has since changed and adapted into something completely different to the source. In addition, it examines the core principles of culture, nation, and identity, largely found as part of the cultural framework and impression of Maltese theatre history as a whole. In this way, it formulates a clearer understanding on the development and history of the practice of Shakespearean theatre within the Maltese islands. Furthermore, this research acts as a historic evaluation and study of the use of different theatre styles, spaces, and communities in Malta, that have all provided a means for Shakespeare’s plays to be heard and seen. With added information provided by localised historical research and credible interviews, recent trends, changes and preferences towards Shakespeare and his works are also duly noted. This is done in order to enhance a detailed understanding of the ongoing theatrical development and how it is altering the presence of current and future performances of Maltese-produced Shakespearean theatre in any way. Finally, with additional importance given to postcolonialism and post-colonial theory, together with language and education, and other cultural and performance theories, this exposition acts as a miniature mapping of the renowned English playwright’s influence upon Maltese culture, together with providing a detailed analysis of the absorption of this influence within the Maltese theatrical framework as a whole.