A Two-Day International Conference on "Age cannot wither him, nor custom stale his infinite variety: Shakespeare Adaptation up to the 21st Century"
The Department of English at Mahatma Gandhi Central University is pleased to announce a Two-Day International Conference titled:
"Age Cannot Wither Him, Nor Custom Stale His Infinite Variety: Shakespeare Adaptation up to the 21st Century"
This conference will be held in a hybrid mode on 10-11 March 2025.
Concept Note
For over five centuries, the dramatic and poetic oeuvre of William Shakespeare has predominantly shaped the landscape of English literature, standing largely unchallenged. A defining characteristic of Shakespearean art is the concept of "negative capability," as articulated by John Keats, which refers to the capacity to remain in a state of uncertainty and ambiguity without an insistent pursuit of definitive truth or rationality. This ambiguity contributes to the enduring relevance of Shakespeare’s works across varying historical and cultural contexts. Shakespeare’s complex characters and themes continue to resonate, as exemplified by Tom Stoppard’s innovative reimagining of Hamlet in his play Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, where the Danish prince is portrayed through a Machiavellian lens. The Bard's texts have proven to be fertile ground for diverse interpretations as they intersect with contemporary fields such as queer studies and eco-criticism. For instance, Caliban serves as a potent symbol of colonial discontent, while Miranda embodies an archetype of nature's purity.
The adaptability of Shakespeare’s narratives has seen them translated and transformed across numerous languages and genres. In the Indian context, cinematic adaptations like Omkara, Maqbool, and Haider have garnered critical acclaim and popular appreciation alike, demonstrating innovative narrative structures that reflect the intricate socio-political tapestry of contemporary India.
Moreover, Shakespeare remains a seminal figure in educational settings, often being the playwright of choice for school and college productions. The vast thematic and stylistic repertoire of his works has yet to be fully tapped, suggesting that each new staging, adaptation, or appropriation offers an opportunity for fresh interpretations. At the upcoming conference, distinguished scholars in the field of Shakespearean theatre and adaptation will engage in scholarly discourse surrounding these themes, contributing to a deeper understanding of Shakespeare's enduring legacy and relevance.
The Sub-themes of the International Conference include but are not limited to:
Shakespeare: then and now
Fresh interpretations of the Shakespearian texts
Decoding Shakespeare in the Indian context
The adaptation of Shakespeare in Indian films
Indian popular culture and Shakespeare
Contemporaneity of Shakespeare
Shakespeare in Indian languages
Oriental Responses to Shakespeare
Representation of Shakespeare in folk art and culture
The Legacy of Shakespeare and the anxiety of influence
Queer reading of Shakespeare
Shakespeare in the age of AI
Resources Persons who have consented to grace the event:
Prof Anita Singh
Professor, Department of English
Banaras Hindu University
Dr. Aksendro Maximilian
Associate Professor & Head
Department of English Language Education,
STKIP PGRI Bandar Lampung, Indonesia
Prof. Bhavatosh Indra Guru
Professor & Head, Department of English and European Languages
Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar
Prof. N. D. R. Chandra
Former Senior Professor of English
Nagaland (Central) University
Dr. Meeta
Associate Professor, Department of English,
Nava Nalanda Mahavihara
Prof. R. P. Singh
Professor, English and Modern European Languages,
University of Lucknow
Last Date of Submission of Abstract
(Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow!)
Do not procrastinate like the Danish prince.
25 Feb 2025
Confirmation of Abstract Selection
28 Feb 2025
Last Date of Submission of Full Paper
05 Mar 2025
Abstract/Full Paper Submission Address
Brevity is the soul of wit. Thus keep your abstract within 250 words limit.
What’s in a name? Your identity. Thus do not forget to mention in the abstract document:
a) Your Name, b) Designation, c) Institutional Affiliation, d) Mode of Presentation: Online/ Offline, e) Contact Details: Email & Phone Number
Also send the screenshot/receipt of the payment details as a separate attachment.
Follow the latest MLA guidelines for the abstract and the full paper.
Registration Fee Details
Faculty Members
500 INR
Research Scholars/ Master’s Students/ Independent Scholars
200 INR
Foreign Scholars
100 USD
Name of the Bank Account
Mahatma Gandhi Central University
Account No
3604439101
IFSC Code
CBIN0280030
Bank and Branch
Central Bank of India, Luthaha, Purvi Champaran, Bihar
Contact the following if you have any questions, except existential ones (to be or not to be):
Suraj Jaiswal
+91 9582024552
Kanu Vaibhav
+91 9350241342
Keshav Kumar Singh
+91 8899250910
Outstation delegates have to arrange their own accommodation and transportation. We would be happy to provide you with details of hotels nearby. The delegates who attend the conference in person will be provided with a certificate, a conference kit, lunch and refreshments on both days of the conference. The online presenters will receive E-certificates.
Motihari: the land of Gandhi & Orwell
It was the land of Champaran where Mohan Das Karamchand Gandhi was bequeathed with the sobriquet “Mahatma”. In Motihari, Mahatma Gandhi launched the Indigo Revolution, which became a watershed movement in the national freedom struggle and made “satyagraha” a unique model of righteous protest. Motihari is also the birthplace of George Orwell, an acclaimed British author. A few kilometres away from the historic Kesariya Stupa, a famous Buddhist archaeological site, Motihari boasts of a glorious history with multiple influences, ancient and modern, philosophical and political, spiritual and practical. To borrow the words of the bard, it is no less than “this other Eden, this demi-paradise.”
How to reach Motihari
Motihari is well connected with major cities of India through the railways. May you fancy travelling by rail route, frequent trains are available from New Delhi, Kolkata, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, and Varanasi directly to Motihari (Station Code: BMKI). Uninterrupted and pocket-friendly bus service is available from Patna (157 km away) and Muzaffarpur (75 km away) to Motihari. The nearest airports are Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport (Patna) and Darbhanga Airport (Darbhanga). Private Cab service is available (viz. Ola Outstation/ Rodbez) from both the airports. Book in advance as “Better three hours too soon than a minute too late”.
About the University
Mahatma Gandhi Central University is a prestigious institution of higher education located in Motihari, District East Champaran, Bihar (India). Established in 2016, the university is named after the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, and aims to provide high quality education and research opportunities to students from all over India. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines, including Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, Commerce, Management etc. The university is committed to promote academic excellence and research, with a focus on providing students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in today's competitive world. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, highly experienced faculty members, and a vibrant campus life, Mahatma Gandhi Central University is an excellent choice for students seeking a world-class education in India.
Chief Patron
Prof. Sanjay Srivastava, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, MGCU
Patron
Prof. Prasoon Dutta Singh, Dean, Humanities & Languages
Convenor
Dr Bimlesh Kumar Singh, Head, Department of English
Co-Convenor
Dr Umesh Patra, Assistant Professor in English
Organising Committee
Dr Kalyani Hazri, Assistant Professor in English
Mr Balande Chandoba Narsing, Assistant Professor in English
Dr Deepak, Assistant Professor in English
Organising Team (Student & Researchers)
Tapas Sarkar
Prabhat Kumar
Ayush Ranjan
Chetna Kumari Tulasyan
Avinash Kumar Bhaskar
Siddhi