1617 season brochure v7 final

JOIN US FOR OUR 25TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON

POWER PAIR. POWERFUL PLAYS. A SEASON OF AUSTEN & SHAKESPEARE

A HISTORIC STAGE FOR

COMEDY TRAGEDY LEGACY The powerful work of two literary icons awaits you at Folger Theatre this season. Jane Austen’s beloved novel is brought to the stage in a witty, theatrical adaptation. Joyful discovery of love is vividly depicted in Shakespeare’s marvelous comedy As You Like It, while we also see friendship lost and society challenged in Timon of Athens. Along the way, we revive for the holidays Folger Consort’s popular Second Shepherds’ Play. Join us for our 25th anniversary season in our historic theater.

—JANET ALEXANDER GRIFFIN, ARTISTIC PRODUCER

The cast of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 2016.

Photo by Teresa Wood.

“SHAKESPEARE SHOULD ALWAYS BE SO LUCKY.” — WASHINGTON POST “FOLGER THEATRE IS THE CLASSIEST SHOWCASE FOR THE BARD IN TOWN AND POSSIBLY THE NATION.” — MD THEATRE GUIDE

CELEBRATING

25 YEARS

“ALL THEATER IS COLLABORATIVE, BUT THE FOLGER IS LIKE A FAMILY. FOR AN AVOWED THEATER GEEK LIKE ME, WORKING AT THE FOLGER HITS THE SWEET SPOT.” – LOUIS BUTELLI Photo by Scott Suchman

“PERFORMING ON THE FOLGER STAGE IS A TRUE JOY. I’VE NEVER WORKED ANYWHERE ELSE QUITE LIKE IT.” –ZACH APPELMAN Photo by Scott Suchman

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS Photo by Carol Pratt

“I HAVE YET TO FIND A BETTER SPACE IN WHICH TO PLAY. THE GLORIOUS THEATER AT THE FOLGER ALLOWS YOU TO EXPLORE THE FULL RANGE THAT, I BELIEVE, SHAKESPEARE INTENDED.” – IAN MERRILL PEAKES

“MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE FOLGER IS THE AUDIENCES, ESPECIALLY THE CHILDREN AND STUDENTS, STARING WIDE-EYED AT WHAT MIGHT BE THE FIRST THING THEY SEE ON STAGE.” – ERIN WEAVER Photo by T. Charles Erickson Photo by Teresa Wood

“I FIRST PERFORMED ON THE FOLGER STAGE IN 1986. THIRTY YEARS LATER, THE FOLGER STAGE STILL HOLDS THE SAME MAGIC AND POWER FOR ME AS IT DID THAT FIRST TIME.” – CRAIG WALLACE

# WillandJane

“THE GREATEST STAGE ADAPTATION OF THIS NOVEL IN HISTORY” —THE SOURCE

R

eason and passion collide in Jane Austen’s beloved tale of sisterhood and romance.

When a sudden loss forces the Dashwood family into difficult financial straits, sisters Elinor and Marianne fall into heart-wrenching romances.

Eric Tucker brings his inspired vision to this production, staged in conjunction with the Folger exhibition Will & Jane: Shakespeare, Austen, and the Cult of Celebrity.

SEPTEMBER 13–OCTOBER 30, 2016 Based on the novel by JANE AUSTEN Adapted by KATE HAMILL Directed by ERIC TUCKER

Originally devised by Bedlam and acclaimed as “irresistible…blissful” (NY Times)

Photo by Tina Fineberg

ERIN WEAVER MAGGIE McDOWELL NICOLE KANG JACOB FISHEL

# FolgerLikeIt

“LOVE IS MERELY A MADNESS”

R

osalind is banished to the Forest of Arden and discovers a world of passion and possibility in one of Shakespeare’s most cherished romantic comedies. When she disguises herself as a man, enchantment abounds and blossoms into an exploration of the beauty and complexity of young love.

Helen Hayes-nominated director Gaye Taylor Upchurch creates a fertile forest of romance in Shakespeare’s comedy.

JANUARY 24–MARCH 5, 2017

By WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE Directed by GAYE TAYLOR UPCHURCH

Produced in association with the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival

Photo by Emma Corey

ANTOINETTE ROBINSON TOM STORY DANI STOLLER JEFF KEOGH

# FolgerTimon “UNDONE BY GOODNESS”

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ortune strains the bonds of friendship. Timon is a wealthy and popular aristocrat with but one flaw—an excess of generosity. Sparing no expense on lavish parties, expensive gifts, and charity, Timon loses his fortune and friends.

Robert Richmond returns to the Folger to helm another gripping Shakespeare tragedy, with Ian Merrill Peakes as Timon.

MAY 9 – JUNE 11, 2017

By WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE Directed by ROBERT RICHMOND

Robert Richmond’s production of Othello with Owiso Odera and Ian Merrill Peakes

Photo by Carol Pratt

IAN MERRILL PEAKES LOUIS BUTELLI ERIC HISSOM MABOUD EBRAHIMZADEH

A HOLIDAY PRODUCTION FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

INCLUDED IN FLEX PACKAGE!

MORE TO EXPERIENCE

AT THE FOLGER

The Folger offers many ways for you to engage with theater artists, scholars, and Shakespeare enthusiasts alike. Enjoy viewing our fascinating exhibitions on display in Folger’s Great Hall. For specific dates and times, please visit us at www.folger.edu/theatre.

NOVEMBER 27–DECEMBER 21, 2016

STAGE DIRECTOR TALKS

“A LOVELY SEASONAL SURPRISE”

Hear about the creative process, staging, and vision of the productions from the plays’ directors.

Wine reception and light fare included.

— WASHINGTON POST

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his engaging and historic mystery play is filled with festive medieval English tunes performed by the

award-winning Folger Consort. The Second Shepherds’ Play beautifully weaves together the story of Christmas—the shepherds, a sheep thief and his cunning wife, and the miracle in the manger.

BREWS & BANTER

Before the show, quench your thirst with select cast members and chat about all things Shakespeare.

Beer and light fare included.

PRE-SHOW TALKS

Insightful and engaging discussions with Folger Library Director Michael Witmore.

Wine reception and light fare included.

Featuring the music of FOLGER CONSORT Adapted & directed by MARY HALL SURFACE

POST-SHOW DISCUSSIONS

Stay to hear from the cast and resident dramaturg Michele Osherow and ask a question or two.

FREE FOLGER FRIDAYS

Pre-show talks, discussions, and cultural entertainment offered on select Fridays at 6pm.

MEGAN GRAVES

EMILY NOËL

Tonya Beckman and Ryan Sellers. Photo by James Kegley.

LILIAN OBEN

MATTHEW R. WILSON

TICKETS ON SALE NOW HOW TO PURCHASE: ONLINE: www.folger.edu/theatre

BY PHONE: 202.544.7077 IN PERSON: Visit the Folger Box Office, open Monday–Saturday, noon–5pm; extended hours during performances

CHOOSE YOUR OWN PLAN This season, we’ve made coming to the theater easier.

With our new flexible package, you can buy tickets to any 3 or 4 productions, including the holiday medieval musical The Second Shepherds’ Play. Select your own dates and times for each show, and receive all of the savings and benefits that come with being a Folger Theatre subscriber: • Guaranteed great seats at a great price • Free and easy ticket exchanges • Hill & Will discount card to area restaurants and businesses • Free subscription to Folger Magazine • Special invitations and offers to other Folger events Order online or call us at 202.544.7077 and a box office associate will be happy to assist you in creating your own package.

202.544.7077 • www.folger.edu/theatre

THE SECOND SHEPHERDS’ PLAY

SPECIAL HOLIDAY ENGAGEMENT!

SENSE AND SENSIBILITY AS YOU LIKE IT TIMON OF ATHENS

2016/17 SEASON

201 East Capitol Street, SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

FOLGER THEATRE Hagerstown, MD Permit No. 93

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