Research Symposium

BIO

Melanie Leon is a second-year student from Miami, FL majoring in English Literature with a minor in Criminology. Leon plans to attend law school after graduation. Outside of her work researching Latinx Shakespearean productions, Leon is a part of the Honors Program, the Honors Legal Scholars Program, the Residential Conduct Board, and was a recent participant in the FSU College of Law Summer for Undergraduates Program. Her research interests include literature and law.

Latinx Shakespeares

Abstract

Latinx Shakespearean productions have been largely undertheorized throughout history despite their cultural significance and prevalence throughout numerous communities. In an effort to make available this archive of Latinx Shakespearean productions, this project utilizes data gathered by Dr. Carla Della Gatta. Organizing the research conducted on various Latinx themes in Shakespearean adaptations, the relationship between Shakespeare and Latinx culture, and the impact of the “West Side Story Effect,” a term coined by Dr. Della Gatta, results in an increase in the amount of information regarding Latinx Shakespeares that is available to the general public. The following research aims to compose an easily accessible database of Latinx Shakespearean productions, while providing insight into their importance, unique qualities, and impacts on communities around the country.

Keywords: Shakespeare, Latinx, theatre, English, database