Live Event: This is Shakespeare - Prof Emma Smith in conversation with Erica Whyman OBE

Part of the Humanities Cultural Programme, one of the founding
stones for the future Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the
Humanities. Professor Emma Smith (English Faculty) in conversation
with Erica Whyman OBE (Royal Shakespeare Company). Both Emma and
Erica have recently had their Shakespeare events cancelled; Erica’s
production of The Winter’s Tale for the Royal Shakespeare Company,
and launch events for Emma’s book This Is Shakespeare. In this
conversation, Erica and Emma discuss these events, their hopes for
them, and what Shakespeare offers us both now and in the future.
Biographies: Professor Emma Smith - Tutorial Fellow in English and
Fellow Librarian, Professor of Shakespeare Studies, University of
Oxford Professor Smith's research combines a range of approaches to
Shakespeare and early modern drama. Her recent work has been about
the reception of Shakespeare and about the scholarly and cultural
investments in Shakespearean criticism. 'This is Shakespeare - How
to Read the World's Greatest Playwright' is her latest publication
(2020). 'The best introduction to the plays I've read, perhaps the
best book on Shakespeare, full stop' - Alex Preston, Observer 'It
makes you impatient to see or re-read the plays at once' - Hilary
Mantel Erica Whyman OBE (Deputy Artistic Director, Royal
Shakespeare Company - Royal Shakespeare Company). Erica joined the
Royal Shakespeare Company in January 2013. She works closely with
Artistic Director Gregory Doran on all aspects of artistic
strategy, taking a particular lead on the development of new work,
the contemporary relevance of the repertoire and the national
ambitions of the company. Erica led the team which reopened The
Other Place in March 2016, a creative hub dedicated to daring
theatrical exploration. Erica takes a lead on extending access,
equality and diversity across all RSC activities and is passionate
about participation in theatre-making.