Queering Shakespeare
Queering Shakespeare was a four-session acting workshop developed and led by Kalliope Bessler through Loyola University Chicago. The workshop was for LGBTQ+ actors to explore the intersection between their LGBTQ+ identities and their performance of Shakespeare. The project also featured guidance from prominent Chicago-based theatre artists Ross Lehman, Will Wilhelm, and William Brown.
Development
Kalliope developed the idea for Queering Shakespeare after several experiences in which she felt as though she needed to seek permission to apply a queer context to her acting. Kalliope has discovered through the affirmations of and coaching from fellow theatre artists that permission is not necessary. Applying your LGBTQ+ experiences to a role is part of bringing yourself to the role and playing it with depth and complexity. LGBTQ+ actors need more safe space to explore and perform the intersection between their LGBTQ+ identities and Queering Shakespeare was created to provide that space.
Research & Sources
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"The Art of Gender Bending Shakespeare" Interview with Lisa Wolpe
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Shakesqueer: A Queer Companion to the Complete Works of William Shakespeare edited by Madhavi Menon
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"Why are Critics Laughing Off the Queer in Shakespeare?" by Charles Shafaieh