Dr. Kristina Straub

Biography

Kristina Straub is a Professor Emerita at Carnegie Mellon University in the Department of English, specializing in feminist cultural studies, sexuality studies, and performance studies. Her extensive research includes a focus on 18th-century British cultural studies. Her notable works include the book 'Divided Fictions', feminist reconsiderations of novelist Frances Burney, and a study on the ideologies of sexuality in 18th-century Britain. She has directed theater performances related to feminist studies and has contributed to the growing interest in sexuality and performance in popular culture. One of her recent projects involved co-curating an exhibit at the Folger Shakespeare Library entitled '& Jane: Shakespeare, Austen, Cult Celebrity.' Her research probes the impact of the British militia on audience behavior in London theaters, specifically in relation to Shakespeare’s 'Macbeth'. Additionally, her collaborative work emphasizes the significance of women in shaping public knowledge during the period, highlighting their role as active participants in cultural discourse. She is also a member of the R/18 collective, an international group of scholars dedicated to reshaping the discourse around 18th-century theatrical traditions.

Research Interests