#United States #Washington, DC #Macbeth #Folger Shakespeare #Adjoa Andoh

Celebrating Shakespeare: A Festive Expansion at Folger Library

In a thrilling move, the Folger Shakespeare Library is set to broaden its annual celebration of Shakespeare's birthday this April. Known for its cultural significance, this year's festivities will feature new exhibitions, performances, lectures, and various family-friendly events, culminating in a staged reading of the tragedy Macbeth. Under the direction of Adjoa Andoh MBE, who will also star in the performance, the reading promises to be a highlight of the celebrations on April 25.

A Rich Tradition

The Shakespeare's Birthday Festival, scheduled for April 18, is a cherished tradition for the Folger community. According to Folger Director Dr. Farah Karim-Cooper, this event not only celebrates Shakespeare but also showcases the vitality of the humanities in community life. “Shakespeare and the humanities invigorate communities, and we want to expand on this success,” she stated. The festival will provide diverse programs appealing to a wider audience, with Andoh's impressive reputation in the realm of Shakespearean arts adding to the excitement.

This year's Macbeth performance not only pays tribute to Shakespeare’s genius but also acknowledges the historic significance of the original production by the Federal Theatre Project in 1936. This version was notable for being one of the first in the United States featuring an all-black cast. Andoh's adaptation is set to honor the remarkable skills of those involved in that landmark production.

A Month of Events

In addition to Macbeth, the Folger's celebration will feature a new installation in the exhibition galleries that observe the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Titled Shakespeare and the American Story, this exhibition will explore how Shakespeare's works are interwoven with American history and culture. It will open on April 17, just ahead of the main events, providing visitors with unique insights into the impact of Shakespeare on American thought and civic life.

On April 18, the Birthday Celebration will offer free programming for guests. Activities will include story times, sonnet writing and crafting activities inspired by Shakespeare, as well as dance and stage combat demonstrations. Guests will kick off the day with a celebratory birthday song for Shakespeare, alongside sweet treats for all attendees.

The evening of April 18 promises a special lecture by Emma Smith, a prominent Professor of Shakespeare Studies at Oxford University. Smith will delve into the migration of Shakespeare's works to the United States and reflect on migration stories found within his plays. She will focus on a significant passage from the play Thomas More, with ties to the Folger itself.

Furthermore, the production of As You Like It is being extended until April 19, allowing even more audiences to experience Shakespeare's timeless works.

Get Involved

Tickets for the various events are available through the Folger Shakespeare Library’s website, where complete details about the celebration can also be found. Interest in these events is expected to be high, given their significance in honoring not only Shakespeare's legacy but also the contributions made by diverse artists throughout history.

For those involved with the Folger and the broader Shakespearean community, these events represent an essential opportunity to celebrate, reflect, and engage with the works that have defined and inspired generations.

To discover more about the complete lineup, ticket reservations, and pricing, visit www.folger.edu.

The Folger Shakespeare Library expresses gratitude to the Capitol Hill Community Foundation for their continued support of this annual celebration.

About Folger Shakespeare Library

The Folger Shakespeare Library is dedicated to the promotion of Shakespeare and the humanities as integral to cultivating a vibrant civic life. Housing the world’s largest collection of Shakespearean works, alongside an extensive array of books and manuscripts from the 1500s to the early 1700s, it serves as a hub for interactive exhibitions and transformative educational programs. With a commitment to creativity and critical thinking, the Folger warmly welcomes visitors from Washington, DC and beyond. Experience the magic at folger.edu.