• Books and Reading in Shakespeare's England

    On our Shakespeare Unlimited podcast, we talk with Stuart Kells and Jason Scott-Warren about how people read, acquired, and collected books in Shakespeare’s time.

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    The Merry Wives of Windsor

    Folger Theatre presents Shakespeare’s delightful comedy on love, money, deception, and the power of women, in which Falstaff’s dubious plan to woo Windsor’s wealthy housewives (Regina Aquino and Ami Brabson, pictured) is met with hilarious retaliation. Directed by Aaron Posner with a 1970s twist. Onstage through Mar 1

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  • Shakespeare's Theater

    Learn more about the playhouses of Shakespeare’s time, including the Globe, and what it would have been like to see a performance there.

    About Shakespeare's Theater Stage Effects

  • Photo: Elman Studio

    The First Folio

    The First Folio is the first collected edition of Shakespeare’s works, published in 1623. Without it, 18 of his plays might have been lost forever. Learn more about this remarkable book—and the Folger's collection of First Folios, the largest in the world.

    About the First Folio About the Folger Collection

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    Building Renovation

    Our historic building is undergoing a major renovation beginning in early 2020 to expand public space, improve accessibility, and enhance the experience for all who come here. The project is supported by the $50 million Wonder of Will campaign.

    About the Renovation The Wonder of Will

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INSIDE THE PLAYS

Cursing Coriolanus and Combating Cornhoarders

In 1608, famine plagued England. Preachers responded with sermons begging the gentry to show compassion for the poor, King James I responded with royal proclamations against grain hoarding, and Shakespeare responded with Coriolanus, a Roman revenge-tragedy.

Read the Blog Post About Coriolanus

FOLGER FINDS

Anne Finch: Women Writers in the Folger Collection

The Folger holds the most important manuscript book of the works of Anne Finch, Countess of Winchilsea (1661–1720). Learn about this remarkable poet and playwright.

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EARLY MODERN LIFE

Spreading Disease, Stealing Food, Destroying Books

People born in the Year of the Rat are said to be clever and resourceful, traits that early modern Europeans also saw in these endlessly fascinating, eternally troublesome little animals.

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FROM THE DIRECTOR

Shakespeare is our middle name. We are stewards of a precious resource of world heritage and culture—a living tradition that offers something truly elevating.
Michael Witmore
Folger Shakespeare Library Director
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  • The Merry Wives of Windsor is "riotously funny"

    Don't miss our last at-home production before Folger renovations begin! Shakespeare's comedy is "loads of fun" and "filled with performances that shine" (BroadwayWorld). Through March 1 only. "A hilarious sendup of the 1970s," directed by Aaron Posner, "makes for a merry evening indeed" (DC Theatre Scene). 

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  • Folger Poetry: Love & Happiness

    Three poets—George Bilgere, Tim Seibles, and Keith S. Wilson—read together for a night of uplifting humor and luminous praise on the themes of love and happiness on Tuesday, February 24 at 7:30pm. Wine reception and book-signing to follow.

     

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  • Folger Theatre's 2020/21 Season

    Folger Theatre goes "On The Road" next season at venues across the DC region, with the season opener, A Midsummer Night's Dream, at the National Building Museum on stage this summer. Subscribe today to be the first to know about events and shows, and to enjoy all the benefits that come with being a Folger Theatre subscriber.

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Upcoming at the Folger

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Teachers at the Folger. Photo by James Brantley

Folger Education

Classroom Resources for Teaching Shakespeare

Folger Education works alongside teachers to develop engaging, effective tools for helping students have successful classroom encounters with Shakespeare and other complex texts.

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