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Folger Theatre

Folger Theatre is the vibrant center piece of the Folger’s public programs. With a focus on Shakespeare, Folger Theatre produces plays reflecting the breadth of the library’s peerless collection. In this unique setting, with collaborations between artists and experts, Folger Theatre produces innovative stagings that have been commended as “breathtakingly original...strikingly contemporary” (The Washington Post). Led since 1991 by Artistic Producer Janet Alexander Griffin, Folger Theatre has received 135 nominations and 23 Helen Hayes Awards for excellence in acting, direction, design, and production. During the recent seasons Folger Theatre has received the Outstanding Resident Play Award for its productions of Measure for Measure in 2007, Hamlet in 2011 and The Taming of the Shrew in 2013. Other highlights from Folger Theatre’s producing history include these Helen Hayes Award recipients or nominees for outstanding production: Romeo and Juliet (2013), Orestes: A Tragic Romp (2010), Henry VIII (2010), Arcadia (2009), Macbeth (2008), The Two Gentlemen of Verona (2006), Melissa Arctic (2006), She Stoops to Conquer (2002), Shakespeare’s R & J (2001), Much Ado About Nothing (1998), and Romeo and Juliet (1997).
Collection Connections: 'If We Were Villains' by M. L. Rio
Folger Spotlight

Collection Connections: 'If We Were Villains' by M. L. Rio

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Folger Theatre

Elizabeth DeBold, Assistant Curator of Collections, shares items she presented on April 7, 2022 as an introduction to ‘If We Were Villains’ by M. L. Rio.

ENCORES: 'King Lear' performed by Folger Theatre and The Classical Theatre of Harlem
Folger Spotlight

ENCORES: 'King Lear' performed by Folger Theatre and The Classical Theatre of Harlem

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Folger Theatre

Folger Public Programs is pleased to present ENCORES, recalling the rich history of programming on the historic Folger stage. This week, we revisit a performance of ‘King Lear’ by Folger Theatre and The Classical Theatre of Harlem (2007).

Lessing the Divisive: A Brief Critical History of 'Nathan the Wise'
Folger Spotlight

Lessing the Divisive: A Brief Critical History of 'Nathan the Wise'

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Folger Theatre

Folger Theatre is thrilled to return to in-person performances with ‘Nathan the Wise,’ produced in association with Theater J. In this guest post, Theater J Director of Patron Experience Chad Kinsmen introduces us to the play and its controversial history.

ENCORES: 'District Merchants' performed by Folger Theatre (2016)
Folger ENCORES, red theater seats fading into darkness
Folger Spotlight

ENCORES: 'District Merchants' performed by Folger Theatre (2016)

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Folger Theatre

Folger Public Programs is pleased to present ENCORES. Enjoy a selection from Folger Theatre’s 2016 production of ‘District Merchants.’

ENCORES: 'Silence and Breath' with Kazim Ali and Kaveh Akbar (2018)
Folger ENCORES, red theater seats fading into darkness
Folger Spotlight

ENCORES: 'Silence and Breath' with Kazim Ali and Kaveh Akbar (2018)

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Folger Theatre

Folger Public Programs is pleased to present ENCORES, a weekly online series highlighting past performances and recalling the rich history of programming on the historic Folger stage. Enjoy Kazim Ali and Kaveh Akbar reading their poetry as part of ‘Silence…

Collection Connections: 'The King at the Edge of the World' by Arthur Phillips
Folger Spotlight

Collection Connections: 'The King at the Edge of the World' by Arthur Phillips

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Folger Theatre

Rachel B. Dankert, Learning and Engagement Librarian, shares items she presented on March 3, 2022 as an introduction to ‘The King at the Edge of the World’ by Arthur Phillips.

ENCORES: "Ego sum pastor bonus" & "Alleluja, Chwalcie Pana" performed by Folger Consort (2014)
Folger ENCORES, red theater seats fading into darkness
Folger Spotlight

ENCORES: "Ego sum pastor bonus" & "Alleluja, Chwalcie Pana" performed by Folger Consort (2014)

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Folger Theatre

Folger Public Programs is pleased to present “Ego sum pastor bonus” & “Alleluja, Chwalcie Pana”” performed by Folger Consort (2014) as part of its ENCORES online series, highlighting past performances and recalling the rich history of programming on the historic…

Resource Guide: 'The King at the Edge of the World' by Arthur Phillips
Graphic illustration of stacks of books in purple. aqua, and white
Folger Spotlight

Resource Guide: 'The King at the Edge of the World' by Arthur Phillips

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Folger Theatre

On March 3, 2022 the Folger hosts its Virtual Book Club, featuring a discussion of The King at the Edge of the World by Arthur Phillips. To prepare for the discussion, we have pulled together a list of resources related…

Words, Words, Words: 'The King at the Edge of the World' by Arthur Phillips
Folger Spotlight

Words, Words, Words: 'The King at the Edge of the World' by Arthur Phillips

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Folger Theatre

The Folger’s virtual book club continues on Thursday, March 3 with a discussion of ‘The King at the Edge of the World’ by Arthur Phillips. To get ready for the conversation, we’ve compiled some introductory information on this tale of espionage and…

ENCORES: A Celebration of Pablo Neruda (2017)
Folger ENCORES, red theater seats fading into darkness
Folger Spotlight

ENCORES: A Celebration of Pablo Neruda (2017)

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Folger Theatre

Folger Public Programs is pleased to present ENCORES. This week, we share Javier Zamora reading his and Pablo Neruda’s poems from a 2017 reading.

Collection Connections: 'The Weight of Ink' by Rachel Kadish
Folger Spotlight

Collection Connections: 'The Weight of Ink' by Rachel Kadish

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Folger Theatre

Rachel B. Dankert, Learning and Engagement Librarian, shares items she presented on February 3, 2022 as an introduction to ‘The Weight of Ink’ by Rachel Kadish.

ENCORES: 'The Winter's Tale' performed by Folger Theatre (2018)
Folger ENCORES, red theater seats fading into darkness
Folger Spotlight

ENCORES: 'The Winter's Tale' performed by Folger Theatre (2018)

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Folger Theatre

Folger Public Programs is pleased to present ENCORES. Enjoy a selection from Folger Theatre’s 2018 production of ‘The Winter’s Tale.’

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