The public is invited to learn more about Shakespeare, historical and political drama, and the creative process of developing a new play. All events are free and do not require tickets unless noted otherwise.

Please check back soon for additional public events.

Friday, February 15

9:00–10:00 am
“Shakespeare’s Not-so-historical Women”
Lecture by Phyllis Rackin
Lilly Family Gallery, Chambers Building

10:15–11:45 am 
“Imagining History I: From Fact to Fiction”
Focusing on the creative process, panelists Rona Munro, Thomas Mallon, and Laurence Senelick will discuss the means by which writers define and fictionalize history. Moderated by Cynthia Lewis, Davidson College Dana Professor of English.
Lilly Family Gallery, Chambers Building

1:45–2:45 pm
“Recovered Memory: History and the Modern Russian Theatre.”
Lecture by Laurence Senelick
Lilly Family Gallery, Chambers Building

7:30 p.m.
Royal Shakespeare Company “Work-in-Progress” performance of a new play commissioned by the RSC and developed in association with Davidson College. A post-performance discussion will follow.
Duke Family Performance Hall, Knobloch Campus Center
Ticketed event

Saturday, February 16

10:30–Noon 
Keynote Address by Edward Albee
“The State of Theatre and the Arts in America.”
Duke Family Performance Hall, Knobloch Campus Center
Free, ticketed event

1:30–3:00 pm
“Imagining History II: Shakespeare Before and After”
Exploring the evolution of the historical drama, panelists Laurence Senelick, Mary Karen Dahl, and Keyne Cheshire will discuss Shakespeare’s influence, distinctions, and commonalities of historical dramas across different eras, and the relevance of historical dramas today. Moderated by Ann Fox, Davidson College English Department Associate Professor.
Tyler-Tallman Hall, Sloan Music Center

3:30–4:45 pm
“The Process of ‘Work-in-Progress’: Rehearsing and Mounting the New Play Project*
Members of the RSC creative team will discuss the evolution of the production and the processes used to develop the current version of the performance, with Rona Munro, Roxana Silbert, RSC actors, and Jeremy Adams. Moderated by Ann Marie Costa, Davidson College Theatre Department Professor and Chair.
Tyler-Tallman Hall, Sloan Music Center
*Subject to change

7:30 p.m. 
“Writing Imaginative Literature about Space Exploration.” 
Lecture by Thomas Mallon
C. Shaw Smith 900 Room, Alvarez College Union

7:30 p.m.
Royal Shakespeare Company “Work-in-Progress” performance of a new play commissioned by the RSC and developed in association with Davidson College. A post-performance discussion will follow.
Duke Family Performance Hall, Knobloch Campus Center
Ticketed event

Sunday, February 17

10:30 am–Noon
“Historical Drama as Political Drama”
Panelists Mary Karen Dahl, Phyllis Rackin, and Ann Fox, Davidson College English Department Associate Professor, will discuss how various dramatists have integrated both theoretical and topical examinations of politics into aesthetic works. Moderated by Sharon Green, Davidson College Theatre Department Associate Professor.
Lilly Family Gallery, Chambers Building