Gretchen E. Minton, Montana State University | Performing Shakespeare's Wild West

Performing Shakespeare's Wild West

Gretchen E. Minton, English Literature, Montana State University
Coach House, Green College, UBC
Thursday, October 18, 5-6:30 pm, with reception to follow
in the series
Green College Special Lecture

In the mid-nineteenth century, mountain men and pioneers traversed the wilds of Montana Territory in the northern Rockies, searching for gold, animal pelts and other economic opportunities. These men travelled light, but historical accounts note that many carried with them a copy of Shakespeare’s works. This talk explores the history of Shakespeare in Montana then and since. There were actual performances, popular entertainments brought to opera houses by itinerant actors. At the same time, legends circulated, telling of unlikely “Shakespearean” encounters on the frontier and highlighting the complexities attending the construction of Western identity. Present-day Shakespearean performances in Montana continue to reflect the significance of this relationship, making it difficult to see where performing Shakespeare ends and performing the West begins.