Rejected petition Preserve Shakespeare’s Legacy in Stratford Without Decolonisation

We urge the British government to ensure that William Shakespeare’s works and legacy in Stratford-upon-Avon remain free from efforts to "decolonise" them. Shakespeare’s plays are a cornerstone of British culture and a universal exploration of human nature, not a colonial artifact to be reframed.

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Recent trends suggest reinterpretations that impose modern ideological lenses, risking the erosion of their historical and artistic integrity. Stratford, as the heart of Shakespeare’s heritage, should remain a place where his works are celebrated as written, not altered to fit contemporary political narratives. This preserves their value for future generations and respects their global significance.

We request that the government support institutions like the Royal Shakespeare Company and Stratford’s cultural bodies to maintain authentic presentations of his works, rejecting funding or policies that prioritise decolonisation over fidelity to the original texts. Shakespeare belongs to all humanity—let’s keep him untainted by division.

This petition was rejected

Why was this petition rejected?

It requests action at a local level.

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You could also raise this issue with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-digital-culture-media-sport

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Date submitted 16 March 2025
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