Kathleen Wilson

In this engaging discussion, cultural historian Kathleen Wilson dives into her work on the role of theater in the British Empire from 1656 to 1833. She reveals how performances transformed imperial provinces into historical stages, shaping identity and power dynamics. The chat explores the cultural exchange between British expatriates and local audiences, illustrating how non-British people adapted English traditions. With fascinating examples from Calcutta and St. Helena, Wilson highlights theater’s dual role as entertainment and a means of asserting authority and challenging colonial narratives.