s a regular reader and formerly publishing professional, I have been taught that Shakespeare is the first learning ground for English literature. Countless books have been written on the life and works of this unparalleled dramatist. However, Prof Farah Karim-Cooper has burst the bubble. She has spent a significant portion of her career studying the Bard, which has become one of the primary reasons she aims to redefine Shakespeare for the 21st Century. Drawing on her experiences as a woman of colour, co-director of research and education at the Globe Theatre and Shakespeare professor, she has authored books such as Shakespearean and Renaissance Drama, The Hand on the Shakespearean Stage and recently Titus Andronicus: The State of Play.

The Great White Bard: Shakespeare, Race and the Future not only offers a genuine analysis of gender and race in some of the most famous plays, such as Antony and Cleopatra and The Tempest but also provides a thorough reassessment of Elizabethan London. Additionally, it depicts Britain’s imperial ambitions, grounding its arguments firmly in a historical context.

The Great White Bard insists on not setting Shakespeare as the be-all-end-all of literature while avoiding complete dismissal. Instead, it encourages standing up to the playwright and addressing the concerns raised in his plays within the context of the society in which they are taught. Sustaining his relevance and further developing his extraordinary legacy becomes possible by offering new perspectives and fresh interpretations.

The author tackles themes of diversity and inclusion, recognising them as essential pillars of a vibrant and evolving theatrical landscape. With depth and nuance, they explore the boundaries of artistic interpretation, the responsibilities of theatre practitioners and the intersectionality of race and performance. This nuanced perspective adds depth and enriches our understanding of the playwright and his works, providing another shade to the narrative.

Cooper’s prose skillfully captures the essence of Shakespearean drama while providing a contemporary commentary on the persistent inequalities in the theatre industry. As one of the few minority Shakespeare professors in the UK, she brings a distinctive perspective to the literary conversation. By highlighting the challenges faced by non-white individuals in a discipline historically dominated by a monolithic group, the book offers a refreshing and much-needed perspective.

For instance, she points out that in The Tempest, the portrayal of Prospero as a harsh coloniser and his native slave Caliban as an attempted rapist “does not allow us to empathise exclusively with either.”

Offering a sobering reality check, Karim-Cooper argues that if we consider Shakespeare the pinnacle of white English literature, we are only jeopardising his relevance in today’s diverse ecosystem.

It is crucial to dismantle the pedestal on which we have placed Shakespeare and uncover the untapped opportunity to view his works through the lens of today’s world. This way, his plays can resonate with a broader range of audiences.

It is truly enlightening that Karim-Cooper surpasses the superficial admiration of Shakespeare’s romantic poetry. She inspires readers to critically examine and question it rather than simply revelling in its splendour. She urges readers to appreciate its brilliance while identifying its flaws and loopholes.

Karim-Cooper combines academic rigour with a clear and engaging writing style throughout the book. Her extensive research and compelling arguments illuminate the deeply ingrained biases in the theatre tradition and encourage readers to examine the prevailing narratives surrounding Shakespeare and race critically. With vivid and evocative commentary, the author challenges readers to reconsider the entrenched biases within the theatre industry and recognise art’s transformative power in challenging societal norms.

The book invites readers to dive deeply into the world of broad societal and cultural reflections, revealing hidden messages and providing a richer understanding of why Shakespeare continues to profoundly impact literature and the world today. It celebrates the power of storytelling in fostering understanding, empathy and social change.

The Great White Bard is a thought-provoking examination of the intersection of race, representation and Shakespearean performance. It advocates for a more inclusive and equitable future for theatre, making it a necessary contribution to the literary world. I highly recommend it to students of English literature.

The Great White Bard

Shakespeare, Race and the Future

Author: Farah Karim-Cooper

Publisher: Simon and Schuster, 2023

Pages: 368

The reviewer is a Karachi-based writer and content lead at an agency