On May 2, 2024 the Folger’s virtual book club continues with a discussion of The East Indian by Brinda Charry. To prepare for the discussion, we have pulled together a list of resources related to A Midsummer Night’s Dream and America’s early colonization.
READ the Shakespeare play referenced throughout novel
EXPLORE the play’s connection to trade and early globilization
- ‘In the spiced Indian air’: Trading coin and cloth in the empire of the Great Mughal
- Shakespeare’s Asia: Ships, spices, and porcelain
- written by Su Fang Ng, May’s guest speaker
- “More strange than true”: Finding America among the fairies
LISTEN to podcast episodes related to colonial history and impact
We would like to thank the following organization for its generous support of this program
Join us for a future event
Family Workshop: Family Poetry Slam
Family Workshop: Family Poetry Slam
In this free workshop, families will learn about Shakespeare's different writing structures, then combine their words with Shakespeare’s to create their own unique sonnet!
Sat, Aug 1, 2026 at 11:30am & 1pm
Shakespeare and the American Story
Shakespeare and the American Story
The Folger is commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence by sharing items that show how Americans from all backgrounds have made Shakespeare’s words and stories their own.
Fri, Apr 17 – Sun, Aug 02, 2026
Imagining Shakespeare: Mythmaking and Storytelling in the Regency Era
Imagining Shakespeare: Mythmaking and Storytelling in the Regency Era
Displayed together for the first time since 1805, 14 paintings from the influential Boydell Shakespeare Gallery in London will be on view at the Folger, offering visitors the chance to consider both the stories Shakespeare created and the stories that were created about him.
Sat, Oct 4, 2025 – Sun, Aug 2, 2026
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