E. Beatrice Batson Shakespeare Society
The E. Beatrice Batson Shakespeare Society explores the Christian dimensions of the works of William Shakespeare. For centuries, scholars have examined the biblical influences on his works and studied Christian ideas in his writings. They have explored the Christian implications of his plays and poems, as well as other historical and spiritual topics. The Shakespeare Society connects all of these themes in relation to Shakespeare’s works in order to serve students, professors, and Shakespeare enthusiasts.
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Brought into the Wheaton faculty by English Department Chair Dr. Clyde S. Kilby in 1957, Professor Batson taught at Wheaton for 33 years. She served as Chair of the English Department from 1973 to 1987, and returned to chair the department again for several years to provide leadership during a departmental transition. Dr. Batson greatly expanded the reach of the department, bringing to campus notable authors such as Madeleine L’Engle, Barbara Reynolds, Frederick Buechner, Thomas Howard, James Frederick Nims, Hazel and Walford Davies, Harry Blamires, and others.
When Dr. E. Beatrice Batson retired, friends gave her a Fourth Folio copy of Shakespeare’s dramas, Henry IV, Part I and II, as a tribute to her life, spirit, and contribution to Wheaton College. It would become the first book in the E. Beatrice Batson Shakespeare Collection at the Wheaton College Library. Over the next two decades, Dr. Batson devoted much time to growing the collection. In addition, Dr. Batson organized the summer Shakespeare Institutes at Wheaton College, conferences for educators and scholars.
The Shakespeare Society is administered by the Wheaton College Library while the Shakespeare Council, a small group of faculty, oversees annual programming and collection development efforts. The Council is composed of up to eight Wheaton College faculty members from a variety of disciplines that intersect with Shakespeare and Christianity, including Reformation and Renaissance history, English literature, historical theology, music, and theater, among others.
The Shakespeare Society continues to develop the E. Beatrice Batson Shakespeare Collection in Special Collections, Wheaton College Library. The collection consists of the best critical works, as well as unique books that enliven the collection and inspire visitors. It is located on the lower level of Wheaton College Library.
The Shakespeare Society also sponsors a variety of activities, including panels, exhibits, lectures, and performances and readings. Read more about the annual undergraduate writing contest here and sign up for announcements about Society events below.
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