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Looking Better with Shakespeare: A Deep Dive into Myth, Allegory, & RelevanceEarly Career FellowshipIn-Person

Jasmine Ma

Tuesday, Apr 08, 2025

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m

New York Public Library
476 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018

The New York Public Library’s flagship location, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, is one of the Library’s premier research centers, renowned for its extraordinary historical collections and its commitment to providing free and equal access to its resources.

In this master class, we will explore Twelfth Night through the lenses of mythology, allegory, and evocation, examining how Shakespeare’s rich use of these elements enhances the play’s timeless appeal. We will investigate how themes from classical mythology and allegorical representations resonate within the context of the play, while also considering how these elements can be reimagined to make the text feel more immediate and relevant to contemporary audiences. Through guided discussion and scene analysis, we’ll uncover how these layers of meaning offer new insights into the characters, plot, and themes of Twelfth Night, and how we might use these tools to breathe fresh life into Shakespeare’s works. We’ll also compare this approach to As You Like It, another of Shakespeare’s plays where the mythic and allegorical elements are integral to its comedic and philosophical impact.

This master class is open to teachers in the Early Career Fellowship and their mentors.

Carl Cofield

Carl Cofield is an accomplished director, educator, and actor who serves as chair of the graduate acting program at NYU and associate artistic director of the Classical Theatre of Harlem, where he has directed numerous critically acclaimed productions. His work spans regional and international stages, including The Old Globe, Yale Repertory Theatre, and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Cofield has received numerous accolades, including a New York Shakespeare Award and an AUDELCO Award for Best Director. He has also taught at Yale, Columbia, and The New School, shaping the next generation of theater artists. A martial artist as well, he holds a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, reflecting his dedication to discipline and excellence.