Casting Shakespeare Today

Abstract

This chapter expands widely-used casting categories such as ‘colour blind’ and ‘colour-concept’ from four categories (as quoted in Thompson) to nine categories. It also addresses the rationale for removing ‘colour’ as the primary focus of casting decisions and provides new terminology that shifts away from ableist language (such as problematic usage of ‘blind’). The chapter puts forward terms such as ‘Nondeliberate Identity Casting’ as ‘Identity Conscious Casting’ instead. Citing diverse artists and casting scholars throughout, this chapter is the culmination of more than a decade of research and practice in the theatre. The chapter closes with a critical analysis of the factors that inform questions of dramaturgy, ethics, authenticity, and positionality in casting practices. The new and expanded vocabulary about casting is necessary for a wider conversation about staging and the aesthetic considerations and ethical practices of theatre-making.