What Does It Mean to Be English, According to RSC???

To accompany the RSC Histories season at the Roundhouse (See our WOS Histories Blog), the company is hosting an on-stage panel discussion entitled The England Debate, exploring issues of national identity. Panellists include Shami Chakrabati, director of human rights pressure-group Liberty, comedian Hardeep Singh-Kohli and RSC artistic director Michael Boyd, who has directed the entire eight-play cycle. Chairing the discussions is Channel Four’s Samira Ahmed.

The aim of the debate is to explore themes of “identity, citizenship, ritual, religion and monarchy” and how these relate to the concept of Englishness in Shakespeare’s plays. At a time when many are questioning what it means to be English in the 21st century, it provides an opportunity for discussion of very current and often divisive issues in the context of the Bard’s ever-topical writing.

The England Debate takes place on 18 May 2008 at the Roundhouse, kicking off at 11.30am.