• Samuel Adams as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Photo by C. Stanley Photography

    Folger Theatre: Amadeus

    Genius and jealousy collide in the opulent salons and opera houses of 18th-century Vienna in this Tony Award-winning play by Peter Shaffer. Onstage Nov 5 – Dec 22

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  • Photo: Lloyd Wolf

    A Monument to Shakespeare

    Learn about the extraordinary Folger Shakespeare Library building, designed by architect Paul Philippe Cret, and its modernized classical exterior and English Renaissance interior. Through Jan 5

    About the Exhibition Curators' Insights

  • Danielle Brooks and Grantham Coleman (photo by Joseph Sinnott)

    Kenny Leon: Much Ado About Nothing

    Director Kenny Leon’s production of Much Ado About Nothing (now streaming through PBS’s Great Performances) mesmerized audiences during the Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park last summer. Listen to an interview with Leon on Shakespeare Unlimited.

    Listen More Podcast Episodes

  • Photo: Lloyd Wolf

    Reading Shakespeare's Plays

    The Folger Shakespeare Library Editions are the most popular Shakespeare texts used in American classrooms. Visit Folger Digital Texts to read the full, searchable text of Shakespeare's plays online.

    Folger Digital Texts About the Editions

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    Building Renovation Project

    The main building will be 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.

    Building Project The Wonder of Will

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EARLY MODERN LIFE

Tying Knots with Thread and Dough

Marissa Nicosia writes about connections between sewing, baking, and handwriting for women in Shakespeare’s time, and shares a recipe for 17th-century cookies flavored with caraway seeds.

Read the Blog Post More Recipes from the Archives

ADAPTING SHAKESPEARE

Shakespearean Prequels and Sequels

Austin Tichenor of the Reduced Shakespeare Company writes about the sequels and prequels Shakespeare wrote for his own plays, as well as those that continue today.

Read the Blog Post

SHAKESPEARE'S HEROINES

The Infinite Variety of Cleopatra

Is Cleopatra seductive or childlike, fierce or fearful? Georgianna Ziegler explores how various depictions of the Egyptian queen onstage and in art capture her complexities.

Read the Blog Post About Antony and Cleopatra

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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  • Amadeus: through Dec 22 only!

    Genius and jealousy collide in Peter Shaffer's Tony Award-winning "Best Play," on stage at the Folger. Tortured composer Antonio Salieri will do everything in his power to destroy his musical rival—Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart—in 18th-century Vienna. With Ian Merrill Peakes as Salieri.

    Tickets & Information

  • Emily Dickinson Birthday Tribute

    Artist Lesley Dill and poet Tom Sleigh celebrate Dickinson and share their work at this annual Folger tribute on Monday, December 9 at 7:30pm. Wine reception and book-signing to follow the event.

    Tickets & Info

  • Folger Consort: Holiday Concerts

    Folger Consort journeys to Venice for the holidays with seven performances of Gloria: A Baroque Italian Christmas, December 13 - 18. Vivaldi's beloved Gloria in D, RV 589 will be performed, as well as seasonal music by Scarlatti, Corelli, and others. At St. Mark's Church on Capitol Hill.

    Tickets & Information

  • The Merry Wives of Windsor: Coming in January

    Don't miss our last at-home production before Folger renovations begin! Shakespeare's delightful comedy on love, money, deception, and the wit of women is at the Folger January 14 - March 1, 2020. Directed by Aaron Posner.

Upcoming at the Folger

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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.

Learn More