Theater event will question Shakespeare’s work, identity

By Kathryn Kelman/ne news editor

What’s in a Name, this year’s NE Shakespeare event, will focus on questions of identity, including Shakespeare’s very own.

English instructor Amanda Myers is in charge of the carnival this year and will be one of four speakers.

“I am personally interested in how Shakespeare portrays the idea of identity in his works and how universal his impressions are,” she said.

Myers said she will speak to students specifically about Shakespeare’s connection to hip-hop and other artists.

“In today’s world, where thanks to social media, everyone has an identity to put out there or they put out information, ideas, opinions or work in an anonymous way, we must be aware of how we cultivate, utilize and present our own identities,” she said.

Shakespeare started the conversation surrounding identities, and this year’s event will continue that conversation and apply it to today’s world, Myers said.

As for Shakespeare’s own identity, English associate professor Rebecca Balcarcel and English professor Eric Devlin will discuss questions that have surfaced, Myers said.

“Some question whether he [Shakespeare] wrote the works or if a group of writers were responsible,” she said.

For Game of Thrones fans, English associate professor Edwardo Perez will explore Shakespeare’s connection to the show through feminine characters and their identities, Myers said.

The Shakespeare event started about 10 years ago and falls around April 23, which is Shakespeare’s assumed birth date and actual death date, English associate professor Rita Wisdom said.

“This event not only celebrates the greatest writer in the English language, but it provides students with a fun, creative space to explore the words, works and history of Shakespeare,” she said. “Every year, it gets a little bigger as word gets out and students spread the word.”

What’s in a Name will run 12:30-2:30 p.m. April 19 in the Darlage Center Corner (NSTU 1615A) on NE Campus. Free pizza and drinks will be available for attendees.

For more information, contact Myers at amanda.myers@tccd.edu or 817-515-6925.