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
Pairing Texts: Shakespeare and the Sweep of Literature
Pairing Texts: Shakespeare and the Sweep of Literature
This free professional development session for teachers guides participants into a paired-text approach that places Shakespeare in genuine conversation with other literature.
Wed, May 13, 2026, 8pm ET
Folger Salon with Nakeisha Daniel and JaMeeka Holloway, and Lorenzo Gatta
Folger Salon with Nakeisha Daniel and JaMeeka Holloway, and Lorenzo Gatta
Learn about research happening at the Folger in real time! Each month, Folger Institute scholar and artist fellows will share their most exciting finds and thought-provoking challenges, followed by casual open conversation.
Thu, May 14, 2026 at 4:30pm
Family Workshop: An Ode to the Gardens
Family Workshop: An Ode to the Gardens
Families will take inspiration from the season to make connections with nature in Shakespeare’s plays and throughout the Folger itself. Then, head to the Folger’s gardens to compose an “Ode to the Folger Gardens,” using lines from Shakespeare and Rita Dove’s poetry!
Sat, May 16, 2026 at 11:30am & 1pm
Stay connected
Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.