Was it the first Shakespeare film? The silent King John
With Herbert Beerbohm Tree as the king, the four-minute silent movie “King John” (1899) is often called “the first Shakespeare film,” as Michael Anderegg explains. Watch the surviving one-minute fragment and learn more about its theatrical star.
Twelfth Night: The Hamlet of the comedies
Austin Tichenor suggests that “Twelfth Night” is the “Hamlet” of the comedies, dealing with loss, separation, and death and using some surprisingly similar elements — but in a far happier way.
What's onstage at Shakespeare theaters in November
Every month, we share a snapshot of Shakespeare in performance around America. What plays are onstage in November? We visit our theater partners to find out.
Elsie Leslie: Sparkling Child Star of the American Stage
Discover American child star Elsie Leslie through a fascinating mix of Folger finds, including Elsie Leslie as Prince Arthur in King John and posing for a photo with preeminent actor Edwin Booth.
What's onstage at Shakespeare theaters in October
Every month, we share a snapshot of Shakespeare in performance around America. What plays are onstage this month? We visit our theater partners to find out.
At the Nashville Shakespeare Festival, "UpRight" readings in surprise locations
The Nashville Shakespeare Festival’s Pop-UpRight Shakespeare series brings lively, “upright,” on-your-feet staged readings of Shakespeare’s plays to surprise locations in and around Nashville.
Elizabethan theater etiquette and audience expectations today
Austin Tichenor writes about the theater-going experience in Shakespeare’s time and how that contrasts with audience expectations today.
What's onstage at Shakespeare theaters in September
Find out what’s onstage at Shakespeare theaters across the United States in September.
What's onstage at Shakespeare theaters in August
This month might be your last chance to catch some of that sweet, sweet summertime Shakespeare before the weather starts to cool down and it’s time to head back to school. See what the Folger’s theater partners have onstage this…
Leading ladies, missing characters, and singing witches: Three differences between Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' and William Davenant's adaptation
Adapted by William Davenant and first performed in 1664, the version of the Scottish play taking to the Folger stage in September was the most popular one well into the 18th century despite—or perhaps because of—the numerous departures from Shakespeare’s original…
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.
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.