Folger Consort
In the spirit of Oktoberfest: Food, drink, and changing times in early modern Europe
As October comes to an end, we celebrate food, drink, and culture in the German cities of Shakespeare’s day, including the creation of beer and wine and the harvest festivals each fall, marked by our modern-day tradition of Oktoberfest.
Playlist: A Guide to the Music in Folger's Restoration Macbeth
Musical Director Robert Eisenstein provides insights on the music performed in Folger’s current production of Macbeth.
The Season Ahead
With rehearsals for Macbeth already underway, the Spotlight reached out to people in Public Programs division to find out what they were most looking forward to in the coming year.
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.
Sing a Song of Christmas: Folger Consort Community Sing
Visitors to the Folger have long been used to seeing actors and musicians on stage demonstrating their talents through words, song, and movement. What’s less usual is an opportunity to learn how these artists prepare to go on, and rarer still is…
Feasting on (Second) Shepherd's Pie
Tending to the flock, stealing sheep, walking to Bethlehem, playing the music that underscores it all…the company of The Second Shepherds’ Play does this and more, night after night. It’s no wonder, then, that such a hectic schedule helps them work…
A Few of Our Favorite Things
There’s lights on the bushes, garlands festooning the balcony, and poinsettias in the lobby—it’s Christmas at the Folger Theatre for certain! Complimenting the festive spirit, The Second Shepherds’ Play continues performances, charming holiday audiences with its humor and heart in a story…
Wassail All Over the Town: Music in The Second Shepherds' Play
We visited The Second Shepherds’ Play while they were rehearsing ‘Somerset Wassail,’ but that is only one of the beautiful, festive songs which appears in this production. Today, we hear from Folger Consort Co-Artistic Director Robert Eisenstein, and give you an…
The Second Shepherds' Play Director's Notes
But what exactly IS The Second Shepherds’ Play? Continuing with our countdown to the first performance on November 27th, here are some thoughts on the play from adaptor/director Mary Hall Surface, including why she chose to this story to adapt and what makes this medieval…
In Rehearsal with The Second Shepherds' Play
Yesterday, we introduced you to the talented ladies and gentlemen who are working hard to bring The Second Shepherds’ Play to life. Today, we take you inside the rehearsal room for a quick peak at what actually happens when our cast…
Meet the Cast of The Second Shepherds' Play
This week, Folger Spotlight will be giving you glimpses into preparations forThe Second Shepherds’ Play, which begins performances this Sunday, November 27. Folger Spotlight already gave you a sneak peak at the puppet stars of the show. Now, say hello to the humans who…
A Sheepish Co-Star: Puppets in The Second Shepherds' Play
Folger Consort’s production of The Second Shepherds’ Play begins performances November 27th. Appearing alongside the talented actors, singers, and musicians on the Folger stage are a number of puppets that help bring this farcical medieval comedy to life. Folger Spotlight chatted…