Editors: Dr Lynsey McCulloch (Coventry University) and Dr Brandon Shaw (Brown University)
We are seeking potential contributors to an edited volume of essays on the subject of Shakespeare and Dance. Despite much academic interest in movement, materiality and the body – and the growth of dance studies as a disciplinary field – Shakespeare’s employment of dancing as both theatrical device and thematic marker remains under-studied. The reimagining of his plays as dance works is also neglected as a subject for research. This volume looks to examine Shakespearean dance in all its variety, with the objectives of stimulating interest in and producing conceptual schema relevant to this growing area of study.
The proposed volume will feature essays not only from literary scholars but also from dance historians, choreographers and practitioners, historical dance reenactors; music specialists, dance critics and performance theorists. Topics might include the following: early modern choreography; masque culture and influence; the jig, and dance as resolution; Shakespeare’s dance sequences; the early modern dancing body; music and dance; movement direction in Shakespearean performance; Shakespeare as dance within balletic and contemporary choreographies. We also welcome co-authored works, particularly those in partnership with dance practitioners.
After discussions with a prominent academic press, we aim to submit a full proposal in September this year. Please send an abstract of no more than 300 words, alongside a short biography, to Dr Brandon Shaw at brandon_shaw@brown.edu and Dr Lynsey McCulloch at lynsey.mcculloch@coventry.ac.uk by August 15th, 2014. Selected authors will be notified by August 31st, 2014. Completed essays of approx. 8000 words will be due mid-2015, subject to contract.
