Beyond the Stage is the Illinois Shakespeare Festival’s running article series on the dramaturgy of the productions in the current season. These articles explore the plays from a wide range of perspectives, from history and literary criticism on the original works to interviews with directors and creative teams. Some articles will be specific to one of the productions while others will highlight connecting threads among all of them. We hope that these articles will inform and enrich your experience at the Festival!
If you have questions or comments regarding dramaturgy, please email Kee-Yoon Nahm, festival dramaturg, at knahm@ilstu.edu.
Recent Articles
Beyond the Stage: Fathers, sons, and ghostsThe first act of Hamlet mixes grief with anger as the titular Danish prince mourns the death of his father and resents his mother’s hasty remarriage—to the former King’s brother of all people. While Shakespeare’s acclaimed tragedy speaks volumes about society, politics, and philosophy, it is also a [...]
Beyond the Stage interview: From revenge to public justiceIllinois Shakespeare Festival (ISF) Dramaturg Kee-Yoon Nahm spoke with Director Vanessa Stalling, M.F.A. ’14, about the Festival’s upcoming production of Hamlet. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Kee-Yoon Nahm (KYN): Before we talk about Hamlet, would you first tell me [...]
Beyond the Stage interview: A call to action to find joyIllinois Shakespeare Festival (ISF) Dramaturg Kee-Yoon Nahm spoke with director Kim McKean about the Festival’s upcoming production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Director Kim McKean Kee-Yoon Nahm (KYN): This is your first season with ISF. [...]
