Folger Shakespeare Library

08/31/2026

👀👀👀

"To Hear Her Speak: Black Women and Shakespeare" opens October 16!

08/31/2026

Why is it important for lawyers to brush up their Shakespeare? On the podcast, University of Michigan Law professor and author Len Niehoff discusses what Shakespeare can teach lawyers about looking at problems from every possible angle. Listen at the link below ⬇️

08/30/2026

Folger Consort kicks off their 50th season with "Monteverdi's Legacy" and Folger Theatre returns with "Measure for Measure." See all that's happening at the Folger this September! folger.edu/whats-on

08/29/2026

At the end of July, we marked the birthday of Juliet Capulet. At the end of August, let's take a look at a selection of stunningly opulent costume sketches for some of the other characters that populate "Romeo and Juliet," including Romeo, Lady Capulet, and Mercutio.

🖌️ : Costume designs, "Romeo and Juliet" [Percy Anderson]. [graphic] ART Box A548. Folger Shakespeare Library.

08/28/2026

Rehearsals for "Measure for Measure" have begun! 👏 Under the direction of Helen Hayes Award winner Psalmayene 24 (Folger Theatre's "Metamorphoses"), this dark comedy showcases the artistry of DC's finest performers. Featuring three-time Helen Hayes Award winner Renea S. Brown as Isabella (Folger Theatre's "Metamorphoses"), Nathan Darrow as The Duke (Netflix's "House of Cards"), and Lee Osorio as Angelo (Mosaic Theater Company’s "A Case for the Existence of God"), this is a powerhouse production you won't want to miss! More at folger.edu/MFM

📷 : The cast and creative team of Folger Theatre's "Measure for Measure". Photography by Erika Nizborski.

08/28/2026

In our ongoing "America's Next 250" blog series, scholar Brandi K. Adams of Arizona State University looks at "Antony and Cleopatra" in 1776, 2026, and beyond. Read more on the blog at the link in our comments ⬇️

08/27/2026

It's our most popular question! ❌ 🧤 WTOP News and Matt Kaufax are on the case.

08/27/2026

Are you as excited as we are about our all Shakespeare season? Become a member now for discounts at Folger Theatre, as well as at the Folger Shop and Quill & Crumb. Members also get early bird announcements for Folger programming and the opportunity to purchase tickets prior to public on-sale. Explore all the benefits of membership at folger.edu/membership

08/26/2026

We join so many others across the world in mourning the loss of singer, songwriter, philanthropist, and self-described “book lady” Dolly Parton. In addition to her legendary career on stage, Parton was an author and a powerful advocate for literacy. She was the founder of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a program that mails free books to children from birth to age five, no matter their family’s income. Over 31 years, the Imagination Library has gifted over 300 million books to 3 million children, including audio and braille books. It’s currently available in five countries (the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Republic of Ireland). We are so grateful for all the beautiful stories Dolly gave us.

08/26/2026

Actress Ellen Terry was most famous for her Shakespearian roles, such as Portia in "The Merchant of Venice" and Beatrice in "Much Ado About Nothing." But in addition to being an actress, Terry was also a dog lover. In honor of International Dog Day, our Collation blog looks at some of the many pups found in the Terry photo album in the Folger's collection.

Folger Shakespeare Library is the world's largest Shakespeare collection, the ultimate resource for exploring Shakespeare and his world. Shakespeare belongs to you. His world is vast. Come explore. Join us online, on the road, or in Washington, DC.