The Caribbean region struggles daily with coloniality and catastrophe. In The Bahamas, everyday catastrophes take the form of corrosive capitalism, violence and homicide, while occasional catastrophes such as hurricanes grow more frequent with climate change. In this context, theater provides an avenue for healing. This chapter explores how Shakespeare in Paradise, an annual theater festival in Nassau, harnesses the transformative power of theater. The chapter considers both the content of the festival, with reference to reimagined Shakespeare classics and original works exploring capitalist dominance and everyday violence, and its context, falling annually during hurricane season. It demonstrates how theater in The Bahamas is used to repair colonial and postcolonial damage by re-membering fractured histories and affording performers and audiences access to somatic healing through performance. It argues that Shakespeare in Paradise promotes democratic ideals, provides cathartic experiences, and fosters supportive, empowered community.

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Making Theater in the Face of the Storm: Shakespeare in Paradise, Healing, and Theater

  • Nicolette Bethel

摘要

The Caribbean region struggles daily with coloniality and catastrophe. In The Bahamas, everyday catastrophes take the form of corrosive capitalism, violence and homicide, while occasional catastrophes such as hurricanes grow more frequent with climate change. In this context, theater provides an avenue for healing. This chapter explores how Shakespeare in Paradise, an annual theater festival in Nassau, harnesses the transformative power of theater. The chapter considers both the content of the festival, with reference to reimagined Shakespeare classics and original works exploring capitalist dominance and everyday violence, and its context, falling annually during hurricane season. It demonstrates how theater in The Bahamas is used to repair colonial and postcolonial damage by re-membering fractured histories and affording performers and audiences access to somatic healing through performance. It argues that Shakespeare in Paradise promotes democratic ideals, provides cathartic experiences, and fosters supportive, empowered community.