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.
What's onstage at Shakespeare theaters in September
Every month, we check in with our theater partners to share a snapshot of Shakespeare in performance around America.
An English Garden: Dancing tunes and lyric poetry in Elizabethan England
As the arts and culture flourished in Shakespeare’s England, musical life blossomed as well.
The rise and fall of sumptuary laws: Rules for dressing in Shakespeare's England
In Shakespeare’s England, those wearing clothes adjudged to be above their station were subject to fines or imprisonment under sumptuary laws.
The well-dressed Elizabethan: Renaissance fashions as social markers
Renaissance fashion was unquestionably distinctive, especially among the upper class, who favored clothing with luxurious fabrics and dramatic silhouettes.
Quiz: How well do you know Shakespeare's genres?
The Folger, along with many Shakespeare scholars, recognizes five categories of Shakespeare’s work: comedies, histories, tragedies, romances, and poems. Take the quiz to see if you can match the right works with the right genres!
San Francisco Shakespeare Festival celebrates its 35-year history with 35 Shakespeare speeches
San Francisco Shakespeare Festival has been presenting a series of free, short performances of famous Shakespeare speeches at notable San Francisco landmarks to celebrate its 35-year history in the city.
Educating and training a child in the early modern period
Education was increasingly important in the early modern period with the rise of social mobility, but children were also put to work around the household.
Eclipses in Shakespeare's plays
Here are three of the ways Shakespeare used eclipses in his plays and poems. Did you know? In 1598, England experienced a total solar eclipse.
What's onstage at Shakespeare theaters in August
Every month, we share a snapshot of Shakespeare in performance around America. Which plays are opening this month? We check in with our theater partners.
Completing the Shakespeare canon
Colorado Shakespeare Festival has completed the canon for the second time since its inaugural season. See which other theaters have completed the canon.
Salmon in pastry: A Renaissance recipe from Shakespeare's Kitchen by Francine Segan
Salmon, oysters, asparagus, and grapes are all ingredients in this unusual pie recipe from Francine Segan’s cookbook “Shakespeare’s Kitchen.”
Shakespeare, improvisation, and the art of rhetoric
Shakespeare characters like Viola and Iago are masters of improvisation, says Folger Director Michael Witmore in this excerpt from the 2017 Shakespeare’s Birthday Lecture.