The Magic of Shakespeare: Professor Kahrić’s Insightful Look at A Midsummer Night's Dream

On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, English Language and Literature (ELIT) program at IUS welcomed Professor Damir Kahrić who explored one of William Shakespeare’s finest comedies, A Midsummer Night Dream. Damir Kahrić, who is currently teaching at ELIT and ELT programs at IUS, used his own PhD research to bring students closer to the significance of the Renaissance comedy. Students enrolled in ELIT415 Shakespeare course, taught by Assistant Professor Dr. Vesna Suljić, delved into the Bard’s literary opus and explored the formal and thematic features of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. 

During the insightful lecture, ELIT students discussed the formal and thematic features of the play, its many multi-faceted characters, and fantasy elements behind the veil of magic and awe which the Renaissance drama entails. Additionally, Professor Kahrić compared and contrasted the use of enchantments in the early-modern theatre and discussed with students the critical reception J. R. R. Tolkien published regarding Shakespeare’s (mis-)use of magic as a literary trope. Finally, Professor Kahrić shared photographs of his own acting experiences during the time when he performed in different local theatres, including plays such as Much Ado About Nothing, Richard III, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Merchant of Venice and more.

Dr. Vesna Suljić expressed her appreciation for Damir Kahrić’s work and emphasised the necessity for young people dealing with Anglophone literatures to continuously rediscover and re-examine Shakespearean works. Professor Kahrić’s left a positive impact on our students which furthermore confirms the level of academic excellence which defines our educational institution.