Game of Thrones prequel staging reflects cultural dominance of Western fantasy narratives in global entertainment
Original framing: “‘Summer is coming!’: Royal Shakespeare Company to stage epic Game of Thrones prequel” — The Guardian - World
The original framing omits the lack of representation for non-Western fantasy traditions and the economic disparities in global arts funding. It also ignores the environmental impact of large-scale theatrical productions.
Low structural omission detected in mainstream coverage.
The Guardian, as a Western media outlet, frames this as a cultural milestone, serving the interests of the entertainment industry and Western literary canon. The narrative reinforces the power of established institutions like the RSC in shaping global cultural consumption.
Indigenous storytelling often blends myth and history, offering alternative fantasy frameworks that could enrich global theater. However, these traditions are rarely adapted by institutions like the RSC.
The staging of 'The Mad King' reflects a broader cultural hierarchy where Western fantasy dominates, while non-Western narratives struggle for recognition. This perpetuates a cycle of exclusion in global storytelling.