The Shakespearean Ludisphere: Board Game Shakespeare

This thesis explores connections between tabletop roleplaying games (TRPGs), Shakespearean adaptations, and the early modern theatrical stage. It is especially interested in the role of the player in a TRPG, which allows consumers of Shakespearean adaptations to embody the many roles of the player, actor, director, and playwright. As such, TRPGs and the role of the player allow for a unique form of narrative agency and engagement with Shakespeare unavailable in other mediums. This unique form of narrative agency, in addition to aspects of early modern theatrical practice like cross-dressing and single-sex casts, are brought together to examine the recuperative potential Shakespearean TRPGs offer transgender and queer players wishing to speak back to Shakespeare or establish a more positive presence in his – and our – world.