Starting Oct. 16, the Folger Shakespeare Library is exploring how Black women have engaged with the works of William Shakespeare both on and off the stage through the centuries.
In the exhibition, “To Hear Her Speak: Black Women and Shakespeare,” guests can learn about works by writers, scholars, actors and artists like Maya Angelou, Phillis Wheatley, Ida B. Wells and Toni Morrison, among others.
Nearly 100 objects, including photographs, playbills, diaries and costumes, are featured.
“Almost all of those are authored or created by Black women,” Patricia Akhimie, director of the Folger Institute, told WTOP.
These objects uncover the ways in which Black women applied Shakespeare’s language, stories and characters to their art and writing from Shakespeare’s time to the present.
One of the notable objects featured is a yellow legal pad from author Toni Morrison. On the legal pad, her notes focus on the eponymous protagonist of a play she wrote, called “Desdemona,” which is a reimagining of Shakespeare’s “Othello.”
“The most important piece to take away is just to really be inspired by the breadth of different kinds of engagement with Shakespeare over these centuries, and to see yourself as part of that legacy,” Akhimie said.
The exhibition is a hands-on experience with interactive activities and a reading area, along with video displays of writers like Lorraine Hansberry discussing Shakespeare and their own creative practices as well as performances by notable Black actors from the 1930s through the present. A musical playlist was also created for the exhibition, available on Spotify.
An audio guide is also available, narrated by Shakespearean actress and director Adjoa Andoh, who is best known for her role as Lady Danbury on Netflix’s “Bridgerton.”
The exhibition runs through May 2, 2027. Tickets are free with the option of a $15 recommended donation to support the Folger’s programming.
Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the DC area.
Here’s what else is happening in the D.C. area:
In this Shakespeare Theatre Company play, Brazilian writer and performer Vanessa Severo delves into the life of celebrated Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. The production runs through Nov. 8. Ticket prices vary.
Punk bands BUKO BUKO, Ammonite and Bitter Tits are uniting for one night of Riot Grrrl energy at Songbyrd Music House on Friday. Tickets cost approximately $20 per person.
As the District’s biggest and beastliest beer festival, Snallygaster has a lot to offer, with unlimited tastings of 450 draft beers, gravity kegs and bottle and can pours from more than 160 American and international producers. VIP early entry tickets are sold out, but general admission tickets are still available at $75 per person. Find out more about other festivals and other food-focused events in WTOP’s DMV Foodie Guide.
It’s the spooky season, so come get witchy with over 40 local artists and makers at the D.C. WitchFest this Saturday. Guests can also expect tarot card readings, drag performances, henna and aura photography. The event is free to attend along 11th Street NW in Columbia Heights with Halloween drink and food Specials at Wonderland Ballroom, RedRocks, El Chuho, Odd Provisions and The Coupe. Find more Halloween events and pop-ups on WTOP.
The U.S. National Arboretum alongside the Herb Society of America are hosting an afternoon dedicated to chile peppers. Expect taste tests of foods like salsa, spicy hot chocolate and pickled peppers. The free event is on Saturday.
In Blagden Alley, Calico is hosting the free-to-attend, sixth annual Fall Festival with a pop-up pumpkin patch with pumpkin painting activities, live music and seasonal cocktails. The event is on Sunday.
Starting Thursday, a curated selection of noir films are being presented at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Silver Spring, Maryland, as part of the Noir City D.C. film festival. The all-access pass to the full lineup of film screenings costs $200, while general admission tickets cost $15 unless otherwise noted.
Enjoy a waterside getaway in Annapolis, Maryland, at the Annapolis Powerboat Show this weekend or the Annapolis Sailboat Show the following week. This Thursday through Sunday, floating docks will create a temporary marina showcasing new and premiering boats and the latest in boating accessories, equipment and apparel. Ticket prices vary.
The BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown, Maryland, is celebrating Oktoberfest with a parade, live music and DJ entertainment, a carnival and food trucks. The event is free to attend, but RSVP’s are encouraged to be entered into a raffle.
At Reston Town Center, the free outdoor rock concert, called Rocktoberfest, is being hosted Saturday. The “Sip & Stroll” event allows attendees to buy an alcoholic beverage of choice at participating restaurants to bring to the outdoor event area.
At the 50th annual Fall Festival, the city of Fairfax, Virginia, is hosting more than 400 art and craft vendors, food vendors, children’s activities and multiple stages of entertainment. The Saturday event is free to attend.
For its second year, The Alexandria Book & Craft Festival brings authors and artists together in the plaza behind 415 King Street in Alexandria, Virginia. As reported by local news organization The Zebra Press, the event on Sunday is hosted by Elaine’s Literary Salon and Made in ALX.
Over 200 artisans and crafters from across the region are coming to the Fall Arts & Craft Show at the Fredericksburg Convention Center. Attendees can shop handmade goods, jewelry, home decor and more. Tickets to the event on Saturday and Sunday cost approximately $9 per person.
Chantilly, Virginia’s Ellanor C. Lawrence Park has an afternoon of live music, food trucks and family fun planned at ParktoberFest. The event this Saturday is free.
Source
