‘In India’: Shakespeare and Prison in Kolkata and Mysore

Summary

Shakespeare claims a significant place in pedagogical and performative environments of many kinds, including an increasing number of correctional facilities. As the increasing number of book and articles focused on Shakespeare in Prison describe, textual and performative engagement with this drama offers thematic resonances, while supporting physical, emotional and intellectual development; and opportunities to engage in communal activities for people who have often experienced more trauma than success in their previous lives. Thanks to the virtual Shakespeare in Prison Network and the biennial Shakespeare in Prison conference, many international prison practitioners, current programme participants and alumni are forging strong ties that help individual groups to create programming, share strategies and gain the confidence built through common pursuits. These bonds have been particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many face-to-face meetings were cancelled, particularly in correctional spaces, since these environments often breed widespread infection. Virtual associations, therefore, have provided valuable opportunities to geographically distanced Shakespeare in Prison practitioners, eager for community during challenging times. Connections between far-flung Shakespeare and Prison programmes have only recently begun to encompass India, however.