The organization in charge of museums dedicated to English playwright William Shakespeare is reportedly taking steps to address issues of colonialism and White supremacy in order to create a more inclusive experience for visitors. The Telegraph reported that Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust, a British nonprofit based in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, is working to “decolonize” its collection of Shakespeare-related artifacts. Critics in the UK have been examining aspects of history, including the use of certain terms and the alleged impact of colonialism on Shakespeare’s work. The trust is researching the impact of colonialism on world history and how Shakespeare’s work may have played a role in this. Concerns have been raised about certain items in the trust’s collections that may contain harmful language or depictions. The trust has collaborated with researchers to explore how Shakespeare has been celebrated as a symbol of White European supremacy and British cultural superiority. Efforts are being made to present Shakespeare as part of a diverse global community of writers and artists, rather than as the “greatest” in a Eurocentric worldview. The trust is also working to make Shakespeare’s legacy more international by hosting events featuring artists from around the world.
