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Folger Theatre's Fourth Annual Reading Room Festival

The Folger Theatre is excited to announce the full lineup of events for its fourth annual Reading Room Festival, a dynamic public celebration set to take place from January 22 to January 25, 2026, at the Folger Shakespeare Library. This year's festival will focus on modern interpretations and adaptations of Shakespeare’s works, exploring how they continue to resonate today.

Exploring Creativity Through Performance

Artistic Programs Director, Karen Ann Daniels, shared, "The talks, workshops, and panels will explore the depths of translation, the musicality of Shakespeare, and the richness of adaptation that flows from it. We've learned that our audiences enjoy engaging in creative practices themselves." This festival is not just about performances; it's a hands-on experience where attendees can immerse themselves in workshops and discussions.

This year's lineup features fully staged readings that highlight the seamless blend of music and Shakespearean narratives. Notable new works and adaptations by artists including Alexa Babakhanian, Alberto Bonilla, Barbara Fuchs, and Marcus Gardley will be presented. Each performance will include post-show conversations with critics and scholars to deepen the audience’s understanding of the material.

Key Highlights of the Festival

One of the standout events is the free opening night discussion titled Shakespeare as a Starting Point, which will be in collaboration with Signature Theatre. This event will explore how various composers and playwrights have drawn inspiration from Shakespeare's oeuvre, featuring live performances from beloved musicals influenced by his works such as Play On!, Kiss Me Kate, and West Side Story.

For younger audiences, the festival will host a family-friendly reading of Fuente Ovejuna, adapted by Barbara Fuchs. This magical performance will be preceded by a creative workshop where the audience can craft props used in the reading.

Another exciting initiative is the Seven Ages of Music community workshop. Participants are invited to contribute to an original song inspired by Shakespeare's famous “Seven Ages of Man” speech from As You Like It. This engaging session will be led by actor and musician John Sygar.

A Collaborative Artistic Endeavor

The Reading Room Festival will showcase more than 40 actors and musicians from the Washington, DC community. Notably, participants in the yearlong workshop, Shakespeare and Black Performing Women, facilitated by Karen Ann Daniels and Patricia Akhimie, will serve as panel moderators, enriching the festival's discussions with diverse perspectives.

As part of the accessibility initiative, individual tickets for readings, panels, and workshops are available for $20 each, with free student rush tickets liberally provided. A limited number of All-Access Passes are also available for $125, granting holders access to all staged readings, workshops, and special events.

Engaging with the Classics

This festival is more than just a series of shows; it's an invitation for creativity, conversation, and community engagement that celebrates the enduring legacy of Shakespeare's work while encouraging new interpretations. For those interested in the arts, literature, and the exploration of cultural heritage, the Reading Room Festival is a must-attend event this January.

To explore the complete schedule and purchase tickets, please visit Folger Theatre's Reading Room page or contact the Folger box office at (202) 544-7077. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience Shakespeare in a refreshing light and engage with a vibrant community of artists and audience members alike.