Bloomsbury Antony and Cleopatra: A Critical Reader (Arden Early Modern Drama Guides)

Antony and Cleopatra is among Shakespeares most enduringly popular tragedies. A theatrical piece of extraordinary political power, it also features one of his most memorable couples. Both intellectually and emotionally challenging, Antony and Cleopatra also tests the boundaries of theatrical representation. This volume offers a stimulating and accessible guide to the play that takes stock of the past and current situation of scholarship while simultaneously opening up fresh, thought-provoking critical perspectives. This guide offers students and scholars an introduction to its critical and performance history, including notable stage productions and film versions. It includes a keynote chapter outlining major areas of current research on the play and four new critical essays that chart the plays wrestling with the cultural iconography of three consequential personalities in Roman history and their role in a pivotal moment in Romes transition to empire. Its resources include a serious consideration of the special challenges, appeals and strategies related to the play in the classroom.