Professor Lan Wang
Visiting Research Fellow, July - August 2025
Home institution: Shanghai International Studies University
Wang Lan is a professor of English literature from the School of English Studies, Shanghai International Studies University, Shanghai, China. Her research interests include English and Scottish literature, especially drama. Her current research project, “Contemporary Scottish Drama”, is funded by the National Social Science Grant. She has published four monographs in this field (three of which are co-authored with CHEN Hongwei), including A History of Contemporary British Drama (Peking University Press, 2007), Twentieth Century English Drama (Peking University Press, 2009). Her articles on Gregory Burke’s Black Watch, Tim Barrow’s Union, adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello, etc., have appeared in various journals. Email: wbyeats87@163.com
Project title: Staging Scotland: The Evolution of Historical Drama in Contemporary Scottish Theatre in Edinburgh
From the city’s historic playhouses and cultural institutions such as the University of Edinburgh, to the world-renowned Festival Fringe, Edinburgh has long provided a fertile ground for the development of Scottish theatre. By examining the works of key playwrights—such as John McGrath, Liz Lochhead, Tim Barrow, David Greig and Rona Munro—this study will highlight how Edinburgh has shaped and been shaped by theatrical explorations of Scotland’s past. The research will underscore the city’s role as a catalyst for artistic innovation and historical reflection, while also emphasizing the academic value of this body of work. A key aspect of this research will be to interview a selection of contemporary playwrights, as well as scholars (such as Randall Stevenson, Ian Brown and Greg Walker) who can give particular insights into Scottish drama, past and present.