Dr. Daniel Vitkus

Biography

Daniel Vitkus holds the Rebeca Hickel Endowed Chair in Elizabethan Literature at the University of California, San Diego. His scholarly work includes publications such as 'Turning Turk: English Theater and the Multicultural Mediterranean, 1570-1630,' which examines the interplay of culture and ethnicity in early modern theatrical representations. His edited volume on 'Turk Plays in Early Modern England' and the collection 'Piracy, Slavery, and Redemption: Barbary Captivity Narratives in Early Modern England' further exemplify his research interests in cultural history, emphasizing the narratives of otherness and the dynamics of empire. Vitkus's latest collaboration, 'Contextual Guide to Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra,' reflects his ongoing engagement with Shakespeare and Renaissance literature through a contemporary lens. His academic interests include Shakespeare, Renaissance literature, travel writing, the representation of Islamic culture in the West, the origins of capitalism, eco-criticism, and cultural studies. A prolific contributor to academic discourse, his articles address intricate themes such as intersectionality, the eco-politics of materialism, and the global implications of early modern drama. He is proficient in both English and French and is known for his impactful teaching and mentorship in the Arts and Humanities.

Research Interests