A University has added trigger warnings on Willian Shakespeare’s works, including for “extreme weather” and “popping balloons”.
A total of 220 warnings were added to his works, as well as famous adaptations from the BBC, ITV, and theatrical versions.
The University of the West of England (UWE) told drama students that TV adaptations of Macbeth referenced “war” and “psychological distress”.
For The Tempest, viewers were warned there may be “extreme weather” and “depiction of magic.”
UWE told drama students that TV adaptations of Macbeth referenced “war” and “psychological distress”
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A 2016 stage adaptation was flagged because “popping of balloons” were involved.
Warnings on The Winter’s Tale include “references to wild animal attack,” due to it being alluded that a character was killed by a bear.
The same play also warns of “puppetry” and “pregnancy” as potential causes of distress amongst the audience.
Much Ado About Nothing cautions obvious triggers such as death and violence, however also includes “treatment of women”.
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Romeo and Juliet, well known for its tragic end between two lovers, was hit with a warning of “suicide” and “death”.
Toby Young, the leader of Free Speech Union, hit out at the Bristol-based university’s move.
“If I was a University of the West of England drama student, I’d be furious about being treated like such a snowflake.”
UWE said: “Content warnings were previously requested by students with sensory processing issues and experiences of trauma.”
In 2023, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre displayed a “content warning” on its website, targeting plays such as “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
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This is not the first time Shakespeare’s plays have been hit with trigger warnings.
In 2023, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre displayed a “content warning” on its website, targeting plays such as “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
The “fairy tale” play, which is often considered more tame than Shakespeare’s other plays , was hit with a caution that it contains “language of violence, sexual references, misogyny and racism.”
Back in 2017, Cambridge University students were also warned in regard to the playwright’s works. A little red triangle appeared on their English lecture timetables, with a note reading: “Any session containing material that could be deemed upsetting (and it is not obvious from the title) is now marked with a △ symbol”.