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The Folger Spotlight

'A Midsummer Night's Dream' Resource Guide

One of the extraordinary things about staging Shakespeare’s works at the Folger is the breadth of related research, materials, and programming available to us as we create these magical performances. As we look ahead to summer 2022, we wanted to share with you a guide to the variety of ways you can explore the play online before seeing it at the National Building Museum.


Enjoy the Play at Home

  • Audio Recordings
    The Folger and our publishing partner Simon & Schuster Audio have released our audio recording of this beloved comedy to stream for free until July 1, 2020. Directed by Robert Richmond and featuring Cody Nickell and Louis Butelli, all of whom will rejoin us this summer, it is a wonderful way to enjoy Shakespeare’s magic in your own own.
  • The Folger Shakespeare
    Would you rather read the play? You can guide your own exploration through the mischievous hijinks with our free digital texts, available through The Folger Shakespeare. Links throughout the play connect you with collection items and further background, and you can also search the plays or read supplemental essays.

Blog Posts

Podcasts

  • An Interview with Peter Brook
    Director Peter Brook’s 1970 A Midsummer Night’s Dream is among that play’s most lauded and best known productions.
  • A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Los Angeles
    Director Casey Wilder Mott’s 2017 film adaptation sets Shakespeare’s story in modern Los Angeles.
  • Still Dreaming: Shakespeare with Seniors
    Ben Steinfeld and Noah Brody, co-directors of New York’s Fiasco Theater, worked with residents of the Lillian Booth Actors Home—filled with retired singers, actors, dancers and musicians—on a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Past Folger Productions

Fun and Games


Stay tuned for more magic Midsummer moments and make a plan to join us at the National Building Museum this summer!

Comments

Hello! I am wondering if it’s possible for me to stream a video of this production? I’m going to try out for A Midsummer Night’s Dream at my college in the fall, and it would be great to watch a rendition from a renowned theater. 🙂

Lila Hickey — May 12, 2020

Unfortunately we do not have any productions of ‘Midsummer’ available to stream, but Shakespeare’s Globe will be making their production freely available June 15-28 on YouTube: https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/watch/#youtube-premieres

American Shakespeare Center also has a 90min production available to watch for a ticket fee:
https://americanshakespearecenter.com/events/midsummer-digital/

Hope that helps!

Emma Poltrack — May 12, 2020