Shakespeare's legacy faces decolonization over white supremacy claims
- The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust intends to explore the impact of the Empire on its museum collections.
- Recent studies have criticized the portrayal of Shakespeare as a universal figure, linking it to ideologies of white supremacy.
- There is a growing debate regarding the decolonization of cultural institutions and its implications for heritage.
In March 2025, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, responsible for managing properties linked to William Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon, announced its plans to decolonize its extensive museum collections. This decision follows a study conducted in 2022 in collaboration with academic Dr. Helen Hopkins, which argued that presenting Shakespeare as a universal genius could reinforce white Anglo-centric and Eurocentric worldviews, ultimately benefiting the ideology of white European supremacy. The Trust aims to explore how Shakespeare's work has contributed to colonial narratives and perceptions of world history. As part of their efforts, the Trust will organize events that celebrate diverse cultural figures and experiences, such as Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore and Bollywood-inspired workshops related to Shakespeare's works. The initiative has sparked a significant public reaction, with various opinions expressed online. Critics and supporters alike have engaged in the debate on whether Shakespeare's works truly promote historical narratives that could be seen as harmful or exclusive. Conservative commentator Adrian Hilton labeled the Trust's decision as