Drama and performance

Drama and Performance Cluster

The Drama and Performance cluster brings together researchers from the English Department and the Institute of Irish studies working across a range of dramatic literature and media.

The research of our members encompasses drama, theatre history and performance studies from the late medieval period to the present day – from staging and political commentary in medieval drama to contemporary television adaptations – and we have particular strengths in early modern drama and its cultural contexts.  In addition to the study of drama on the page and in performance, some of our members also engage in practice-based work, including adapting novels for the stage, making early drama accessible to all through The Liverpool Players, working with local schools in collaboration with Shakespeare North and partnering with the Everyman and Playhouse theatre and NHS Mersey Care to explore the intersection between community theatre, health and wellbeing. 

Key areas of interest include:

  • Late medieval and early modern drama
  • English comic opera
  • Literature in adaptation
  • Child performers and children in drama
  • Representations of climate change, energy and environment in performance
  • Performance in practice

Members of this Research Cluster include:

Cluster Leads: Katie Knowles, Andrew Duxfield and Esme Miskimmin

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