Macbeth
Proof print from the Boydell Shakespeare Gallery
As a couple of you guessed correctly last week, the June Crocodile Mystery is a proof for the Boydell Shakespeare Gallery print of Lady Macbeth illustrating Macbeth, act 1, scene 5.See the Collation post “Proof prints, part one” for more on the meaning of “proof”…
The Astor Place Riot
Shakespeare Unlimited: Episode 96 May 10 is the anniversary of the Astor Place Riot: the night in 1849 when fans of American actor Edwin Forrest rioted inside and outside New York’s Astor Place Opera House during a performance of Macbeth…
Excerpt: 'Macbeth' by Jo Nesbø
Read an excerpt from ‘Macbeth’, Norwegian detective crime novelist Jo Nesbø’s retelling of Shakespeare’s play, from the Hogarth Shakespeare series.
Orson Welles and Shakespeare
Shakespeare Unlimited: Episode 89 There was a time when Orson Welles was one of America’s biggest celebrities. In 1938, he made national headlines when the radio show he produced did a version of The War of the Worlds that was…
The Astor Place riot: Shakespeare as a flashpoint for class conflict in 1849
In the whole history of Shakespeare in American life, perhaps the most shocking single fact is that 22 or more people once died as a result of a riot in New York over the correct theatrical interpretation of Macbeth.
Lincoln & Macbeth: A Surprising Tale Told Through Primary Sources
Martyr of Liberty Broadside. Folger Shakespeare Library. Last year, as part of the Wonder of Will exhibition extravaganza to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, the Folger presented America’s Shakespeare. This exhibition took a look at the Bard’s influence…
America's Shakespeare: The Bard goes west to Hollywood
“The Bard Goes West” showcases two ways that Hollywood adapts Shakespeare: staying fairly true to the play, and using the plots but not his language.
Very Superstitious: Sense and Sensibility's Cast on Theater Rituals
With Halloween here, we asked the cast of Sense and Sensibility about superstitions and how they protect themselves against ill luck in the theater. Find out which tricks (and treats) they use to make sure the show goes on! Featuring:…
How to counteract the curse of Macbeth (er, The Scottish Play)
Don’t say “Macbeth” in a theater, or you’ll be cursed. Or at least that’s how the old superstition goes. That’s why you’ll often hear actors refer to it as “The Scottish Play.” It’s one of many stories connected with the performance…
Illustrating Shakespeare: Three witches on the heath
Folger Finds delivers delightful and insightful moments with the Folger collection. Sarah Hovde, a cataloger at the Folger Shakespeare Library, shows us some surprise artwork in a 1910 edition of Macbeth. When cataloging a rare book, librarians try to balance describing the things…
The Year of Lear: Shakespeare in 1606
The Year of Lear: Shakespeare in 1606 Author James Shapiro’s new book The Year of Lear: Shakespeare in 1606 considers the period when the playwright wrote three of his greatest tragedies, King Lear, Macbeth, and Antony and Cleopatra. Dr. Shapiro…
Macbeth at Carter Barron: The Sleeping and the Dead are but as (Motion) Pictures
The sleeping and the dead are but as pictures.’Tis the eye of childhood that fears a painted devil. (Macbeth, 2.2.58)Folger Theatre has been invited by the National Park Service to screen our 2008 production of Macbeth this Saturday at dusk in the Carter Barron…