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All 76 posts by

emma poltrack

has a PhD in English and Comparative Literature Studies (with a focus on contemporary Shakespearean performance) from University of Warwick. She earned her MA in Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon and the Cultural History of Renaissance England at The Shakespeare Institute.
Some spellbinding October reads
Shakespeare and Beyond

Some spellbinding October reads

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emma poltrack

As we enter the year’s spookiest month, explore a trio of contemporary novels that involve early modern witchcraft. Much has changed since the deadly witch hunts of Shakespeare’s era, and the contrasting approaches of these books are a good way…

Introducing Shakespeare and Greek Myths: Theseus and Hippolyta
Shakespeare and Beyond

Introducing Shakespeare and Greek Myths: Theseus and Hippolyta

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emma poltrack

Welcome to our new Shakespeare and Greek Myths series. We’re starting off with Theseus and Hippolyta–figures who are not only referred to in the plays, but are also fully formed characters in two of them: A Midsummer Night’s Dream and…

Collection Connections: 'The Last True Poets of the Sea' by Julia Drake
Photograph of a gold ring with blue stone and inscription in the band
Folger Spotlight

Collection Connections: 'The Last True Poets of the Sea' by Julia Drake

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emma poltrack

Dr. Emma Poltrack shares items she presented on August 5, 2021 as an introduction to ‘The Last True Poets of the Sea’ by Julia Drake.

Collection Connections: 'Sweet Sorrow' by David Nicholls
Cover of a 1896 advertising pamphlet for bicycles featuring a portrait of Shakespeare
Folger Spotlight

Collection Connections: 'Sweet Sorrow' by David Nicholls

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emma poltrack

Dr. Emma Poltrack shares items she presented on June 3, 2021 as an introduction to Sweet Sorrow by David Nicholls.

Resource Guide: 'Sweet Sorrow' by David Nicholls
Graphic illustration of stacks of books in purple. aqua, and white
Folger Spotlight

Resource Guide: 'Sweet Sorrow' by David Nicholls

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emma poltrack

On June 3, 2021 the Folger hosts its Virtual Book Club, featuring a discussion of ‘Sweet Sorrow’ by David Nicholls. To prepare for the discussion, we have pulled together a list of resources related to Shakespeare, ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ and…

ENCORES: "Folias Gallegas" and "Canarios" performed by Folger Consort (2019)
Folger ENCORES, red theater seats fading into darkness
Folger Spotlight

ENCORES: "Folias Gallegas" and "Canarios" performed by Folger Consort (2019)

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Author
emma poltrack

Folger Public Programs is pleased to present ENCORES. Listen as Folger Consort performs “Folias Gallegas” and “Canarios” from its 2019 concert ‘Tastes of the Mediterranean: Music of 16th-Century Spain and Italy.’

Words, Words, Words: 'Sweet Sorrow' by David Nicholls
Bust of Shakespeare wearing thick rimmed glasses on an aqua background
Folger Spotlight

Words, Words, Words: 'Sweet Sorrow' by David Nicholls

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emma poltrack

The Folger’s virtual book club continues on Thursday, June 3 with a discussion of David Nicholls’ ‘Sweet Sorrow.’ To get ready for the conversation, we’ve compiled some introductory information on this tragicomic novel the Washington Post called “a tale of first love that hits all…

Resource Guide: 'Circe' by Madeline Miller
Graphic illustration of stacks of books in purple. aqua, and white
Folger Spotlight

Resource Guide: 'Circe' by Madeline Miller

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emma poltrack

On May 6, 2021 the Folger hosts its Virtual Book Club, featuring a discussion on ‘Circe’ by Madeline Miller. To prepare for the discussion, we have pulled together a list of resources related to Shakespeare and Greek mythology.

Words, Words Words: 'Circe' by Madeline Miller
Folger Spotlight

Words, Words Words: 'Circe' by Madeline Miller

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emma poltrack

The Folger’s virtual book club, Words, Words, Words continues on Thursday, May 6 with a discussion of Madeline Miller’s Circe. To get ready for the conversation, we’ve compiled some introductory information on this award-winning novel about a fascinating figure from…

Collection Connections: 'A Bright Ray of Darkness'
Black and white 19th-century illustration of a man in elaborate armor standing with his arm upraised with a castle in the background
Folger Spotlight

Collection Connections: 'A Bright Ray of Darkness'

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emma poltrack

Dr. Emma Poltrack shares the items she presented on April 1, 2021 as an introduction to ‘A Bright Ray of Darkness’ by Ethan Hawke.

ENCORES: A selection from “The Fairy Queen” presented by Folger Consort (2007)
Folger ENCORES, red theater seats fading into darkness
Folger Spotlight

ENCORES: A selection from “The Fairy Queen” presented by Folger Consort (2007)

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Author
emma poltrack

Folger Public Programs is pleased to present ENCORES. Enjoy a selection from Folger Consort’s ‘The Fairy Queen’ (2007) featuring Lynn Redgrave, Sir Derek Jacobi, and Richard Clifford.

Resource Guide: ‘Hag-Seed’ by Margaret Atwood
Folger Spotlight

Resource Guide: ‘Hag-Seed’ by Margaret Atwood

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emma poltrack

On March 4, 2021 the Folger returns to its Virtual Book Club with ‘Hag-Seed’ by Margaret Atwood. To prepare for the discussion, we have pulled together a list of Folger resources related to this innovative retelling of ‘The Tempest.’

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