Hands off Shakespeare: The Folger Museum should steer clear
Shakespeare, renowned for his exceptional command of the English language and creation of iconic works like “To be or not to be” and “Kiss me, Kate,” holds the title of the most frequently performed playwright in American history. Affectionately known as “the Bard,” his status is now under scrutiny.
In a 2022 essay titled “Shakespeare through Decolonization,” Prof. Farah Karim-Cooper raises concerns about the term “Bard” and its racial implications. She argues that elevating Shakespeare to such heights creates a narrative of white supremacy and excellence, perpetuating colonial ideologies.
Despite skepticism from some, Karim-Cooper was appointed as the head of the prestigious Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC. This esteemed institution, established in 1932, houses a vast collection of Renaissance-era artifacts, including the largest collection of Shakespearean materials in existence.
The Folger Library’s announcement applauds Karim-Cooper for her leadership in analyzing Shakespearean plays from a social justice perspective. She spearheads the Antiracist Shakespeare Webinar, where scholars explore race-related themes in every Shakespearean play. Her work aims to address the historical neglect of racial topics in Renaissance studies and promote inclusivity among scholars of color.
Despite her deep appreciation for Shakespeare, Karim-Cooper advocates for a critical examination of Shakespeare’s primacy in the literary canon, asserting that “the Bard has a race problem.” She suggests pairing works like Othello with other texts like Toni Morrison’s Beloved to challenge Shakespeare’s revered status.
Contrasting with the founder’s vision, Henry Folger, who idolized Shakespeare and believed in America’s profound connection with the Bard, the institution’s current direction towards racial themes caters to the elite. This shift may alienate audiences seeking classic performances and eloquence, such as those who attended Ralph Fiennes’ Macbeth in DC.
This disconnect between elite cultural institutions and the general public is evident in declining interest in English literature. The dwindling numbers of students pursuing English degrees and waning literary engagement among young adults underscore the need to maintain Shakespeare’s legacy in a way that is engaging and enlightening.
Leaders like Karim-Cooper, who focus on identity politics, risk undermining the timeless relevance and universal appeal of Shakespeare’s works. Their emphasis on racial discourse may alienate audiences and detract from the enduring impact of Shakespeare’s writings.
While these perspectives may hold sway in academia for now, the enduring legacy of Shakespeare will outlast passing trends and ideologies, reminding us of the eternal power of his works.
