Two of the world’s top scholars of the Bard are visiting Kansas University to present groundbreaking research conducted on Shakespeare that suggests his innovative works were products of recycled inspiration from other written works.

In “Shakespeare the Recycler,” Gordon McMullan, KU alumnus and professor of English at King’s College London, will look at how the legendary playwright modeled some works on traditional folklore featuring birds. Michael Neill, professor of early modern studies at the University of Kent in England, will discuss how Shakespeare used collaborative writing to revive past dramatic genres.

Both professors will speak on how Shakespeare’s process can continue to influence modern thinking and writing. This “recycling” technique is a metaphor for how writers past and present create new works that are at once innovative and familiar, says Jonathan Lamb, assistant English professor and event organizer.

Co-hosted by Hall Center for the Humanities and the department of English, the panel will take place on Tuesday, April 15, at the Hall Center, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. A question-and-answer session will follow the panel.

Those who wish to go need to RSVP by Wednesday, April 9, to hallcenter@ku.edu or call 785-864-4798. This event is free and open to the public.