War and combat weave through many of Shakespeare’s plays, from those focused on war and the experience of those who serve to those that turn on conflicts just before a play begins. Test your knowledge of the military dimension of the plays with our quiz.
Quiz Maker – powered by Riddle
To learn more about war, combat, military service, and Shakespeare, we encourage you to explore our website and our permanent and changing on-site exhibitions; our previous post “War and America’s Shakespeare” shares a wealth of objects from the Folger collection with connections to wars ranging from the Civil War to World War I and Vietnam.
The Folger has a long-standing commitment to military personnel in our community and we welcome you to our theater. Veterans, active duty members of the military, and dependents can receive a discount on tickets to many events through our participation in the Blue Star Theatre Program. (Blue Star Theatres is a program of Blue Star Families and Theatre Communications Group.)
Keep exploring
Shakespeare and War: Stephan Wolfert
In his one-man show Cry Havoc! actor Stephan Wolfert, a US Army veteran, draws together lines in Shakespeare’s plays spoken by soldiers and former soldiers—including Macbeth, Othello, and Richard III.
Shakespeare and World War I
In 1916, the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death coincided with World War I, although the United States had not yet entered the conflict. Both the US and European combatants on both sides of the war took time to honor the Bard.
Simon Mayo: "Mad Blood Stirring"
BBC radio host Simon Mayo tells an amazing—but true—story in his novel, Mad Blood Stirring: that England’s first all-black production of Romeo and Juliet was staged by Black American prisoners of war in a British prison during the War of 1812.
Stay connected
Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.