Abstract

Have you ever wanted to know more about the lighter side of Shakespeare without having to dive into a pile of research materials...perhaps be entertained by light reading and still learn interesting information? If so, here is a book for you. Feasting in Shakespeare's Plays will guide you on a journey through Shakespeare's world from a perspective that anyone can easily relate to: culinary delights!

Foodstuffs were mentioned often in Shakespeare’s plays. But how often have we stopped to take notice of the tastes and smells that shape our imagination as we read or watch his stories unfold? Author Rie Sato skillfully interprets Shakespeare's plays from this angle, illustrating examples of how the master of language used food as double and triple entendres.

"I tried to understand what Shakespeare intended to communicate to his audience by using food as a conduit," says Sato. "Understanding Shakespearean food, I believe, can help us get closer to his world."

To better grasp Shakespeare's use of metaphors and symbolism, the author also shares her research on the cultural, social and historical environments that framed the age in which Shakespeare's plays were set.

The author provides references to English period cookbooks and recipe collections, and includes her personal recipes that were painstakingly adapted to today’s modern kitchen. This is not a cookbook, but rather a guide for the Shakespeare enthusiast to "feast" on his plays (author's pun intended) by enjoying the pleasures of traditional fare and its preparation methods.

Author’s Information

Rie Sato is passionate about the food and dishes that appeared in Shakespeare’s plays. She conducts extensive research into period recipes and culinary delights to be able to recreate them today.

Rie holds a Master of Arts in Shakespeare Studies from King's College, University of London. She began a deep-dive research project on The Two Noble Kinsmen (by William Shakespeare and John Fletcher) at the University of Bath. For her dissertation, Rie completed its Japanese translation, which was nonexistent at the time. After continuing the research while studying at the joint program of King’s College and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London, she directed the play in Japan based on her translated script. It was the first production to be performed in the Japanese language. Collaborating with Japanese theatres, Rie has translated, produced and directed Early Modern English plays including those by Shakespeare.

Rie has been involved in the film industry as well. She earned a Master of Arts in Film Studies from the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom. While working for a film distribution company based in Japan, she was in charge of promoting movies adapted from Shakespeare’s plays to the Japanese market.

Currently, Rie also works for a leading travel agency that specializes in cruises. Her cruise assignments take her around the world, providing her the opportunity to experience different cuisines that continue to broaden her understanding of international food cultures and histories.