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THE 2023 FESTIVAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE
21 October - 17 November
FoSS and ESRC logos

Diverse Children’s Shakespeare: a hands-on exhibition and curator talks

A scattering of modern-day Shakespeare adaptations in the format of graphic novels/books

What’s on offer?

Explore the under-representation of diverse characters in, and creators of, children’s illustrated Shakespeare books. 

Discover a handful of diverse titles, series and mediums that have emerged in recent years.

Consider how they can improve young readers’ sense of belonging and self-esteem in their first encounters with Shakespeare. 

Get to grips with illustrated Shakespeare books in the free hands-on exhibition.

Hear short talks from curators and activists.

Dive deeper into the Birmingham Shakespeare Collection and Children’s Library. 

What’s it about?

This event is inspired by popular activist movements like #BlackLivesMatter #WeNeedDiverseBooks #DecolonisetheCurriculum. 

First, explore the under-representation of diverse characters in, and creators of, children’s illustrated Shakespeare books. Then, discover a handful of diverse titles, series and mediums that have emerged in recent years & are ones to watch going forward. Consider how these diverse books can improve young readers’ sense of belonging and self-esteem in their first encounters with Shakespeare. 

In the hands-on exhibition, you can get to grips with illustrated Shakespeare for children, some of it hot off the press and newly acquired by the Children’s Library. Other items in the exhibition will transport you into recent and distant pasts through the Birmingham Shakespeare Collection. 

Short talks from Sarah Olive (Aston University, Jeunesse Journal) and Lauren Jansen-Parkes (Everything to Everybody) will introduce the issues, suggest solutions, and share ways you can dive deeper into the Birmingham Shakespeare Collection and Children’s Library. Guest speakers, from activists to podcasters, will give their takes on diversity in illustrated Shakespeare past, present and future. 

Who’s leading the event?

Dr Sarah Olive, Senior Lecturer, Aston University

Open to

Adults and teenage children

Of particular interest to

Keen readers, Parents and carers, Teachers and educators, Secondary school students, PGCE English/QTS students, English Literature students, Education students, Librarians, Arts educators, Arts practitioners, Heritage educators, Publishers, Booksellers

Event booking deadline

11pm, Wednesday 1st November 2023