#United States #Washington, D.C. #Shakespeare #Folger Theatre #Reading Room Festival

Folger Theatre's Annual Reading Room Festival

The Folger Theatre at the Folger Shakespeare Library has just announced exciting plans for its fourth annual Reading Room Festival, scheduled from January 22 to January 25, 2026. This year’s festival promises an exploration of various theatrical forms, including plays infused with music and targeted towards young audiences. It aims to celebrate the creativity inspired by Shakespeare while presenting modern voices in theatre.

With an extensive schedule, the Reading Room Festival will feature staged readings, panel discussions, workshops, and community celebrations, all centered around the theme of reimagining Shakespeare’s timeless tales. The festival exemplifies how classical texts can be a vessel for today’s narratives and playwrights, supported by an array of performances that honor the spirit of Shakespeare.

This season’s productions include a captivating lineup: Cymbeline A Telenovela Melodramatic Western, directed by Nadia Guevara, transforms Shakespeare’s classic into a bilingual musical set in the American Southwest. The adaptation, conceived by Alberto Bonilla, combines elements of Latin American melodrama with high-stakes drama and family conflict, inviting audiences to delve into the richness of the narrative.

Another highlight is Dark Lady, written by Alexa Babakhanian and directed by Rebecca Martínez. This musical theater piece humorously explores the speculation around Amelia Bassano, a woman who may have penned Shakespeare's works. With an engaging mix of beatboxing, hip hop, and pop, the production promises a modern twist on classic text and cultural exploration.

Fuente Ovejuna, a new adaptation by Barbara Fuchs, targets younger audiences, showcasing themes of resistance and solidarity through interactive storytelling elements. Directed by Kelsey Mesa, this rendition provides an engaging space for families while honoring the essence of Lope de Vega's classic Spanish play.

Completing the festival is LEAR, Marcus Gardley's contemporary verse adaptation of Shakespeare's tragedy, directed by Hana S. Sharif. Set in the 1960s in San Francisco's Fillmore District, this version contemplates the erasure of Black culture through a familial lens, encapsulating themes of love, madness, and societal change.

The festival not only introduces new theatrical productions but also fosters discussions surrounding the creative processes of the artists involved. After each staged reading, artists will engage in conversations with the audience, offering insights into the developmental process of their works.

The Reading Room Festival also introduces All-Access Passes that grant entry to all staged readings along with the vibrant array of immersive workshops, open rehearsals, and intimate post-show discussions led by critics and artistic leaders. Early bird passes are available until December 31 at a discounted price.

Over the last three years, the festival has successfully launched several plays into full-scale productions, marking it as a significant contributor to the theatrical landscape in Washington, D.C. This year, audiences can look forward to experiencing fresh works that align with the ongoing dialogue about artistic expression and the legacy of great playwrights like Shakespeare.

The Reading Room Festival stands as a celebration of creativity, connection, and community engagement in the arts. As the Folger Theatre opens its doors for this magnificent event, it invites theater lovers to experience the evolving narratives that breathe new life into classic tales and inspire future generations of playwrights.

For more information on the Reading Room Festival and to purchase All-Access Passes, visit folger.edu/readingroom or contact the Folger box office at (202) 544-7077. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness an inspiring festival filled with creativity and conversation!