Black Shakespeare - Reading and Misreading Race

Explore the groundbreaking work "Black Shakespeare: Reading and Misreading Race" by Ian Smith in this episode of Contours: The Cambridge Literary Studies Hour. Delve into a revelatory examination of race in Shakespeare's plays, challenging traditional interpretations and offering new perspectives on how to approach these texts. Learn why this book is considered essential for all Shakespeare readers, as it demonstrates both historical misreadings and provides guidance for more accurate future interpretations. Gain insights from Ayanna Thompson of Arizona State University, who describes the work as a "disorienting tour de force." Discover how Smith's analysis reshapes our understanding of race in Renaissance literature and its relevance to contemporary discussions on diversity and representation in classic texts.