Shakespeare and Virtual Reality

This Element considers the intersection between Shakespearean drama and the exciting new medium of virtual reality.

Stephen Wittek (Edited by), David McInnis (Edited by)

9781009001878, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 27 January 2022

75 pages
17.8 x 12.6 x 0.6 cm, 0.12 kg

Teaching Shakespeare through performance has a long history, and active methods of teaching and learning are a logical complement to the teaching of performance. Virtual reality ought to be the logical extension of such active learning, providing an unrivalled immersive experience of performance that overcomes historical and geographical boundaries. But what are the key advantages and disadvantages of virtual reality, especially as it pertains to Shakespeare? And more interestingly, what can Shakespeare do for VR (rather than vice versa)? This Element, the first on its topic, explores the ways that virtual reality can be used in the classroom and the ways that it might radically change how students experience and think about Shakespeare in performance.

Introduction Stephen Wittek & David McInnis
Part I. Why Shakespeare and Virtual Reality?: 1. What can Shakespeare do for VR? Jennifer Roberts-Smith
2. As We Are [Hacked] with Art: The Shakespearean Imagination in the Virtual Age Scott Hollifield
Part II. Education: 3. VR in the Classroom David McInnis
4. Imagination Bodies Forth: Augmenting Shakespeare with Undergraduates Emily Bryan
5. Real Presence in the Virtual Classroom Erin Sullivan
Part III. Current Projects and Future Directions: 6. Infinite Space, from Theatre to Film to Virtual Reality Michael Ullyot
7. 'Death or punishment by the hands of others': Presence, Absence, and VR in Red Bull Theater's The White Devil (2019) Jennifer A. Low
8. Spaces in Headsets and Heads Set in Spaces: Notes on Shakespeare and Virtual Reality Stephen Wittek
Annotated Bibliography Justin Carpenter
References.

Subject Areas: Teaching skills & techniques [JNT], Media studies [JFD], Shakespeare studies & criticism [DSGS]