Theatre Brochure 15/16

FOLGER

THEATRE 2015/16 SEASON

PERICLES

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

DISTRICT MERCHANTS

For over two decades, Folger Theatre has been the vibrant centerpiece of performing arts at the Folger Shakespeare Library, the world’s largest collection of Shakespeare materials.

In the first Elizabethanstyled theater built in North America, Folger Theatre stages dynamic, thoughtprovoking, and entertaining drama, drawing the finest talent to our unique, intimate space.

“SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE THIS FOLGER SEASON” —The Washington Post

Folger Theatre has received 135 Helen Hayes Award nominations and 23 awards.

“FOLGER THEATRE IS THE CLASSIEST SHOWCASE FOR THE BARD IN TOWN AND POSSIBLY THE NATION.” —MD Theatre Guide

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead; scenic design by Paige Hathaway.

Photo by Jeff Malet

T

he 2015/16 season is brimming with the works of Shakespeare that will take us on a delightful journey from the stormy Mediterranean coasts to a magical forest filled with lovers and fools to post-Civil War Washington, D.C., for a world premiere commissioned by Folger Theatre.

NOVEMBER 13–DECEMBER 20, 2015

#FolgerPericles

Shakespeare’s adventure tale of a father’s fantastical odyssey Pericles, Prince of Tyre, sets sail on an extraordinary journey through the decades and is blown from the coast of Phoenicia to Greece and Turkey.

Chased by the wicked King of Antioch, Pericles finds his true love, but loses her and their daughter, Marina, on the rough seas.

WAYNE T. CARR

BROOKE PARKS

SCOTT RIPLEY

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival production of

By

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE Directed by JOSEPH HAJ

“A magical, must-see Pericles” —The Oregonian

Wayne T. Carr as Pericles

Emily Serdahl and Wayne T. Carr

U. Jonathan Toppo and Cedric Lamar

Jennie Greenberry and Brooke Parks

Photos of Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s 2015 production by Jenny Graham

JANUARY 26–MARCH 6, 2016

#FolgerDream

“Lord, what fools these mortals be!”

Lose yourself in the enchanted woods of Shakespeare’s timeless romantic tale.

This magical comedy of tangled lovers is bursting with mistaken identity, mystical charms, and a mischievous Puck. It is a celebration of the follies and foibles of human beings—and the perfect recipe for revelry and merriment to ring in a new year and commemorate Shakespeare’s anniversary.

CAROLINE CLAY HOLLY TWYFORD ERIN WEAVER

By

Louis Butelli in Twelfth Night. Photo by Scott Suchman

Kate Eastwood Norris and Holly Twyford in The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Photo by Carol Pratt

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE Directed by AARON POSNER

Suzanne O’Donnell and Erin Weaver in The Comedy of Errors. Photo by Carol Pratt

Adam Wesley Brown, Ian Merrill Peakes, and Romell Witherspoon in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. Photo by Teresa Wood

MAY 31–JULY 3, 2016

#FolgerMerchants

What is the quality of mercy?

Love and litigation, deep passions, and predatory lending are grappled with in this uneasy comedy, which wades fearlessly into the endless complexities and contradictions of life in America. Set among the Black and Jewish populations in post-Civil War Washington, D.C., where passions simmer and societies realign, District Merchants is a remarkable tale of money, merchandise, and mercy.

AARON POSNER Directed by MICHAEL JOHN GARCÉS By

WORLD PREMIERE FOLGER THEATRE COMMISSION

A retelling of Shakespeare’s The Merchant Of Venice

Maurice Jones and Michael Sharon in Julius Caesar.

Photo by Jeff Malet

Richard Sheridan Willis and Drew Cortese in Richard III. Photo by Teresa Wood

Erin Weaver and Michael Goldsmith as Romeo and Juliet. Photo by Teresa Wood

Ian Merrill Peakes and Karen Peakes in Measure for Measure. Photo by Carol Pratt

© Daniel Coston

Reed Martin, Matt Rippy, and Austin Tichenor.

Created and directed by KARIN COONROD Produced by COMPAGNIA DE’ COLOMBARI

SEPTEMBER 19–OCTOBER 4, 2015 A world premiere, exploring the life and language of England’s greatest queen. Drawing in part from the Folger collection of Elizabeth I’s letters, the play uses Elizabeth’s own words to reveal her wit, courage, and extraordinary love of her people.

Through poems, prayers, and private letters, four actresses portray the resilient queen.

Folger Theatre subscribers can purchase tickets before they go on sale to the public—at a discounted price!

Written and directed by REED MARTIN & AUSTIN TICHENOR

APRIL 21–MAY 8, 2016 Discovered in a treasure-filled parking lot in Leicester, England, an ancient manuscript proves to be the long-lost first play by none other than the young William Shakespeare.

Using questionable scholarship and street-performer smarts, the wildly hilarious Reduced Shakespeare Company® throw themselves into a fast, funny, and frenzied festival of physical finesse, witty wordplay, and vaudeville variety.

Begin or continue your play-going experience with one of these related programs. Engage with artists, scholars, and Shakespeare enthusiasts alike. Select your favorite add-on to your subscription package.

PRE-SHOW TALKS

Insightful and engaging discussions with Folger Director Michael Witmore.

Light fare included.

FIRST FOLIO—THE BOOK THAT GAVE US SHAKESPEARE

During this unprecedented national tour, Shakespeare’s First Folio will be sent to libraries and other sites across the 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

The story of Hamlet is told by the Gravedigger in Shakespeare’s moving words and with help from the audience.

POST-SHOW TALKS WITH THE CAST Stay to hear from the cast and dramaturg Michele Osherow– and ask a question or two.

Traveling in conjunction with the First Folio Tour

NEW! STAGE DIRECTOR TALKS

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

NEW! CURATOR TALKS

SHAKESPEARE, LIFE OF AN ICON

January 20–March 27, 2016 The most important documents and printed books related to Shakespeare’s life and career are showcased.

Curators discuss the extraordinary exhibitions on display in Folger’s Great Hall. Light fare included.

BREWS & BANTER AMERICA’S SHAKESPEARE

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

April 4–July 24, 2016 A fascinating selection of rare letters, costumes, books, and more reveals how Americans have made Shakespeare their own.

FOLGER FRIDAYS Pre-show talks, discussions, and cultural entertainment offered for each theatrical production.

WILL & JANE: SHAKESPEARE, AUSTEN, AND THE CULT OF CELEBRITY August 9–December 3, 2016

IT’S EASY TO SUBSCRIBE! ONLINE

SUBSCRIPTIONS COME WITH BENEFITS • Guaranteed great seats at a savings

www.folger.edu/subscribe

BY PHONE

202.544.7077

IN PERSON

• Free and easy ticket exchanges

Visit the Folger Box Office, open Monday–Saturday, 10am–5pm

• Hill & Will discount card to area businesses and restaurants

BY MAIL

• Free subscription to Folger Magazine • Special invitations and offers to other Folger events

Explore your love of Shakespeare as a member in the Friends of the Folger Theatre and join a celebrated center for learning and the arts. The Folger preserves and shares the world’s largest collection of Shakespeare materials through exhibitions, lectures, and inspiring performances of music and theater.

Print and complete the order form available at www.folger.edu/subscribe and mail to: Folger Box Office ATTN: Subscriptions 201 East Capitol Street, SE Washington, D.C. 20003

Members enjoy special opportunities to engage with preeminent scholars, curators, and artists, while sustaining scholarly and cultural activities that uphold Shakespeare’s legacy for future generations.

Visit folger.edu/membership or call 202.675.0359

202.544.7077 • www.folger.edu/theatre

texts&beheadings/ElizabethR Reduced Shakespeare Company®

SPECIAL ENGAGEMENTS

PERICLES A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM DISTRICT MERCHANTS

201 EAST CAPITOL STREET, SE, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20003

FOLGER THEATRE Hagerstown, MD Permit No. 93

PAID

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage