George Mason University graduate student Samantha “Chevi” Chung is participating in a yearlong workshop at the Folger Shakespeare Library, focusing on “Shakespeare and Black Performing Women.” This opportunity aligns with her thesis research on Black female actors taking on male roles in Shakespeare’s plays from 1821 to 2025.
As George Mason is part of the Folger Institute’s Consortium, students like Chung have access to extensive scholarly resources. Chung is using this collaboration to support her master’s thesis titled “Black Sheroic Couplets in Shakespeare, Black Female Actors Playing Eponymous Male Roles in Shakespeare’s Plays from 1821 to 2025.”
“My favorite aspect of the workshop is that our conversations are just loaded with a lot of expertise,” said Chung, who is pursuing a master of arts and interdisciplinary studies (MAIS) degree in social justice and human rights. “There is so much to glean from the amazing women I’m working with.”
Chung’s cohort includes actors, directors, theater practitioners, scholars, and researchers. The group explores adaptations of Shakespeare’s works and the experiences of Black performing women. Sessions also feature guest speakers from various backgrounds.
Reflecting on her academic journey, Chung credited Professor Rachel Lewis for helping her learn how to conduct independent research through the Feminist Theories course at George Mason. “Before my first semester at George Mason, I really didn’t understand how to conduct my own research, but then I took Professor Rachel Lewis’s [WMST 630] Feminist Theories course. It really opened my eyes and brought so many new resources and methodologies to my attention,” she said.
Lewis also assisted Chung in developing her thesis topic about gender performativity among Black women actors. Additionally, faculty members Jessica Otis and MAIS Director Shayna Maskell encouraged her persistence after an initial rejection from the Folger workshop.
“It was a good learning experience for me. I think failing forward is so important for growth and realizing that there will be rejections along the way,” Chung said.
During her graduate studies, Chung interned with Maskell over one summer conducting qualitative research for Maskell’s book on the Riot Grrrl movement by analyzing music, photography, fan-made videos, and coding data for use in Maskell’s work.
“Chevi played a key role in using the book’s theoretical framework in performance theory and feminist visual culture and applying it directly to the lived performances of Riot Grrrl bands,” said Maskell. “[She] analyzed archival footage and accounts of different performances and helped bridge the gap between abstract concepts and the reality of the stage. Essentially, Chevi helped turn raw data into a cohesive cultural narrative.”
The Folger workshop concludes this April during Shakespeare’s birthday month; however, Chung plans to continue researching Black theater archives under faculty guidance at George Mason University.
“Sadly, there are absences and silences in the Black theater archives, and we have to break through these and start asking questions,” said Chung. “I’m determined to expand my knowledge beyond what it currently was, not just regarding Black theater archives, but Black history in general.”
After graduating this May from George Mason University, Chung will begin doctoral studies in theater and performance at the University of Maryland later this year.
“It is an honor to be a part of this group. Beyond the wealth of knowledge I’m receiving, this is also an opportunity to build long-lasting connections and relationships,” she said.