Interpreting Cultural Connections between Cervantes and Shakespeare

Step into the world of Shakespeare and Cervantes at Mission San Luis on October 1 & 2, between the hours of 11 AM and 4 PM.

In addition to the world premiere of Loco for Love at 2 PM each day, come listen and participate in lectures and workshops that explore ideas of courtship and friendship, marriage and madness, nobility and chivalry, gender and power. In a series called “Interpreting Cultural Connections between Cervantes and Shakespeare,” three speakers offer you a combination of expert talks and exciting hands-on demonstrations to explore these ideas.

Ian Borden will demonstrate Spanish swordplay from the 17th century, and let some adventurous participants handle wooden swords. Dr. Borden teaches acting at the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film in the University of Nebraska, directs all over the country, and translates plays from the Spanish Golden Age.

Leah Lowe will show you dramatic differences in the roles that women played in Shakespeare and Cervantes. Dr. Lowe is the Chair of the Department of Theatre at Vanderbilt University, directs performances for colleges and professional companies, and gets invited to lead workshops in places as exotic as Russia.

Keith Howard will connect you with Quixotic characters from Florida’s history and take you deep into the world of Don Quixote with a look at Jews, Moors, and Indians in the work of Cervantes. Dr. Howard teaches Cervantes, Spanish Golden Age theater, and the culture of Spanish Florida at Florida State University.

What can hearing the same story in two different languages tell you about your heritage? Come see!

A full schedule of lectures and demonstrations can be found on our website.