Spring is in full bloom at the Folger with the Consort performance of "An English Garden" and the family workshop "An Ode to Gardens." Plus, our O.B. Hardison Poetry Series Finale Reading and two ongoing exhibitions. More at folger.edu/whats-on
Considering joining the Folger as a docent? Longtime docent Carrol Kindel tells us what she loves about the program. Apply now through July 17 at folger.edu/docent
In "Shakespeare's Scholars" from @princetonupress , Sean Keilen explores one of the more comic parts from "Hamlet," Polonius' advice to his son Laertes, and why audiences, from Shakespeare's time until quite recently, took the words of guidance quite seriously. Read the full excerpt on our #blog at the #linkinbio
#DYK that "How Shakespeare Saved My Life" began *its* life on the Folger stage? Jacob Ming-Trent's (@jmingsdynasty ) autobiographical tale of how the Bard and a host of rappers, preachers, and poets threw him a lifeline was first commissioned and presented at the Folger Theatre's Reading Room Festival in 2024. Performances of this tour de force one-man show begin on June 9. Tickets at folger.edu
đ· : Jacob Ming-Trent by Peggy Ryan
Know someone who is graduating or celebrating another milestone this spring? đ đž Weâre sharing some favorite gift ideas from our online Folger Shop, perfect for lovers of Shakespeare and literature. đ If youâre in Washington, DC, visit in person to shop an even larger selection. Full gift list at the #linkinbio
How did William Shakespeare, the âupstart crow,â become elevated to mythic status? Join us for our next Humanities Lab on Wed, Jun 19 to find out! Inspired by the Folger temporary exhibition "Imagining Shakespeare," this course offers participants a chance to explore the exhibition together, see additional items from our world-famous Shakespeare collection, and join in discussion with guest scholar Paul Menzer, professor of Shakespeare and Performance at @marybaldwinuniversity .
Register at the #linkinbio
A century after Shakespeareâs death, his words were in danger of being forgotten. How did Shakespeareâs original works re-emerge? Thank the Shakespeare Ladies Club, a group of influential women who rescued his plays (and his double entendres) from obscurity. In their book, "The Shakespeare Ladies Club: The Forgotten Women Who Saved the Bawdy Bard" (@amberleypublishing ) Christine and Jonathan Hainsworth uncover the clubâs unsung contributions to Shakespeareâs legacy. Listen to the Hainsworths on the "Shakespeare Unlimited" podcast at the đ in our bio.
In honor of Mother's Day, we're sharing a bonus quiz on mothers in Shakespeare. People have noted that many of Shakespeareâs plots would have turned out differently if moms had more prominent roles in them. But there might be more moms in Shakespeareâs plays than you thought. đ Take the quiz at the #linkinbio - and call your mother!
Our friends at @constellationtheatre are about to begin performances of "OR," May 15-June 7! âš Liz Duffy Adamsâ play "OR," is a fast-paced, witty comedy that blends history, feminism, and espionage in 1660âs England. đȘ¶ The farce follows Aphra Behnâspy, poet, and the first professional female playwrightâas she races to finish a script, navigate secret missions, and juggle romantic entanglements, all in one chaotic night. With clever wordplay and rapid costume changes, âOR,â is a celebration of art, friendship, and sexual freedom. || GET TICKETS at constellationtheatre.org.
Female, queer, non-academics, in a world dominated by solitary male editors with university affiliations, Helen Clarke and Charlotte Porter were outliers in the world of Shakespeare editing and scholarship. The Folger's Curator of Manuscripts Heather Wolfe explores their life and work here and on our blog at the #linkinbio
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! đ đ đ The classroom is often where people first encounter Shakespeare and a great educator can ignite a lifelong love of his work. Weâre so grateful for the dedication of teachers, especially those who help students explore literature, poetry, and drama.
Education is a core part of our mission here at the Folger â each year more than two million teachers and students engage with our in-person workshops, lesson plans, online classes, and other resources. If youâre interested in learning more, visit https://www.folger.edu/teach/
#ThrowbackThursday to when Jacob Ming-Trent (@jmingsdynasty ) was on the Folger stage in 2022 as an unforgettable Bottom in "A Midsummer Night's Dream." He returns this summer with his tour-de-force one-man show "How Shakespeare Saved My Life." đ« are on sale at the #linkinbio
đ· : Bottom (Jacob Ming-Trent) and Snout (Brit Herring) in Folger Theatre's 2022 "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Photo by Brittany Diliberto @beetwosweet
