The Shakespeare & Beyond blog features a wide range of Shakespeare-related topics: the early modern period in which he lived, the ways his plays have been interpreted and staged over the past four centuries, the enduring power of his characters and language, and more.
Shakespeare & Beyond
Shakespeare & Beyond also explores the topics that shape our experience of Shakespeare today: trends in performance, the latest discoveries and scholarship, news stories, pop culture, interesting books, new movies, the rich context of theater and literary history, and more. As the word “beyond” suggests, from time to time Shakespeare & Beyond also covers topics that are not directly linked to Shakespeare.
Questions or comments? You can reach us at shakespeareandbeyond@folger.edu.
Who decides what’s in a canon? Jeremy Lopez on English literary history
Lopez looks at which early modern plays were considered better than others (and why) and how the works selected to represent the era might change.
Play on! Q&A: Migdalia Cruz on translating 'Macbeth'
From her work translating ‘Macbeth’ for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival Play on! project, Migdalia Cruz shares reflections about ambitions, loyalty, the witches, and the porter scene.
What's onstage at Shakespeare theaters in July
Each month, we take a look at what’s onstage at our theater partners across the country. Find your region and see what shakin’ (like, Shake-speare—get it?) near you.
Quiz: Which copy of "Midsummer" are you?
The Folger’s collection includes a lot of editions of Shakespeare’s plays; some copies of these editions have their own, unique stories. Which of these special copies of Shakespeare’s classic A Midsummer Night’s Dream matches your personality? Take our quiz to…
Shakespeare's patriotic empathy
Austin Tichenor writes about Shakespeare’s history plays, the political considerations of the day, and patriotic portrayals centuries later.
Taffety Punk and Bootleg Shakespeare: Henry VI, Part 3
Taffety Punk presents Henry VI Part 3 for its 2018 Bootleg Shakespeare performance, in which actors perform after only one day of rehearsal.
Six things to look for when you watch "A Midsummer Night's Dream"
What should you watch for in a production of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream?” We asked some friends what they look for in this classic play.
Thomas Jefferson and Shakespeare
“Shakespeare must be singled out by one who wishes to learn the full powers of the English language,” Thomas Jefferson wrote.
Shakespeare Unlimited: Hearing the voices of discovery
In our Shakespeare Unlimited podcast, now celebrating its 100th episode, you can hear so many surprising and often first-person stories by scholars, musicians, authors, actors, and others on all manner of Shakespearean topics.
Celebrating 100 episodes of Shakespeare Unlimited
Today, we’re releasing the 100th episode of our podcast, Shakespeare Unlimited. Since 2015, when we kicked things off with an episode about Nelson Mandela and the Robben Island Shakespeare, we’ve met the people who answer letters to Juliet, chatted with rappers (on more…
Play on! Q&A: Elise Thoron and Julie Felise Dubiner on translating 'The Merchant of Venice'
The playwright and dramaturg who worked on translating ‘The Merchant of Venice’ share insights into the play and the translation process.
What's onstage at Shakespeare theaters in June
Each month, we bring you a snapshot of Shakespeare in performance across America. Grab your picnic basket and follow us: June is the start of summer Shakespeare season, and we know just where to go.