Tony Gash

Tony Gash is a Senior Lecturer at the University of East Anglia within the School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing. He co-founded UEA’s B.A. Drama Programmes, ranked first nationally for drama teaching, and established the M.A. in Theatre Directing in 1993, which he continues to direct. He collaborates with philosophers on theatrical aesthetics and has supervised PhDs in this interdisciplinary field.

Research Interests: His work spans Shakespearean studies, medieval/early modern drama, and the intersection of Plato and Shakespeare. He explores the Menippean Tradition (Lucian, Erasmus, Rabelais, etc.), carnival theory, and the revival of Medieval East Anglian drama for contemporary communities. His publications and directorial projects emphasize theatrical theory across historical periods.

Key Trends: His articles and projects focus on carnival’s ambivalence, Platonic influences in Shakespeare, and adapting medieval texts for modern audiences. He bridges literary theory, philosophy, and performance practice through monographs, edited volumes, and stage productions.

Community Engagement: As a dedicated educator and director, he has revitalized historical drama traditions, particularly through Mary’s Steps (2010), which connects East Anglian medieval drama with local heritage narratives.