Robert Henke

Robert Henke is Professor of Drama and Comparative Literature at Washington University in St. Louis, serving as Director of Graduate Studies for the M.A. in Performance Studies program. His research investigates early modern theater networks spanning England, Italy, Spain, and Germany.

Research specializes in transnational exchange of theatrical practices, commedia dell'arte performance traditions, and Shakespeare's engagement with Italian novellas. Current projects examine traveling player troupes and humanist networks across Renaissance Europe.

Publications include monographs on pastoral tragicomedy and poverty representation in early modern theater, plus edited volumes on transnational performance exchange. Recent work documents performance practices across European theaters during 1580-1750.