Shakespeare in Bengal

This project aims to document three different but connected fields of Shakespearean presence in Bengali culture. These are performances, translations and adaptations, and pedagogy. The project aims to collect and archive material related to these fields, and make them available online for the benefit of students and researchers.

• Performance: This section comprises accounts of productions of Shakespeare (including translations and adaptations in various languages) in Kolkata from the 19th century till recent times. This includes public and private, commercial and amateur performances, with special emphasis on productions in an academic milieu. Written and photographic records and oral accounts of performances are also documented. Plans are in place to include records of Shakespeare performances outside Kolkata as well.

• Translation and Adaptation: An annotated and critical list of Shakespeare translations and adaptations generated in Bengal, mostly in Bengali, is currently being prepared. A list of previous publications in this field is under preparation and several texts are being located.

• Pedagogy: This part of the project looks at written testimonies, syllabi, question papers, and oral narratives of students and teachers of Shakespearean texts in order to construct a history of Shakespeare teaching in Bengal from the 19th century onwards. A collection of Honours and Masters level question papers from the middle of the 20th century onwards is being prepared.

The Shakespeare in Bengal project is being pursued under the CAS Programme, Phase III (UGC-SAP), Department of English, Jadavpur University