Theater and performance
Bedlam and the “Theatre of Madness”
Dramaturgical intern Sarah Lind takes us on a tour of Bedlam’s history in anticipation of Macbeth’s first preview on September 4th.
What is Lost is Found Again: the Lost Plays Database
We had one answer right on the money for this July’s Crocodile Mystery—each of the images featured evidence of lost plays. The first image is a scrap from the Henslowe papers, recording a payment for John Day for the third…
A Toast to the Props in 'The Way of the World'
Props designer Tony Koehler recently spoke with The Folger Spotlight about the secrets behind the glitz and glamour of Theresa Rebeck’s smart satire.
Setting the Scene for 'The Way of the World'
We spoke to scenic designer Alexander Dodge to find out what it was like turning our Elizabethan theater into a chic Hamptons setting for Theresa Rebeck’s The Way of the World.
Dramaturg's Notes: The Way of the World
Folger Dramaturg Michele Osherow offers her insights on Theresa Rebeck’s new adaptation of Congreve’s The Way of the World.
In Rehearsal with The Way of the World
Photographer Teresa Wood captures The Way of the World cast rehearsing a pivotal scene in Theresa Rebeck’s cunning new comedy.
Snakes on a Stage: Behind the Scenes with Tony Koehler
Props master Tony Koehler returns to the Folger Spotlights to talk about the foresight needed to bring a fortune teller to life, how to make a bed (from scratch), and, of course, the trial-and-error involved in creating a number of…
Theatrical disturbances and actors behaving badly: what the Drury Lane Prompter’s Journal tells us about nineteenth-century theatrical life
Guest post by Dr. Sarah Burdett What was life like inside the nineteenth-century London theatre? How smoothly did performances run? And how professionally did actors behave? The Drury Lane Prompter’s Journal, 1812-1818, held at the Folger, provides an excellent resource…
You Can Dance If You Want To: Movement in Antony and Cleopatra
Actor and movement director John Floyd speaks to the Spotlight about how he worked with the cast to create the production’s acclaimed choreography.
As the (Ancient) World Turns: Tony Cisek on designing Antony and Cleopatra's set
Scenic designer Tony Cisek speaks to The Folger Spotlight about his inspirations for Antony and Cleopatra’s set and returning to an in-the-round configuration.
Dramaturg's Notes: Antony and Cleopatra
Before you come see the show, read Folger Dramaturg Michele Osherow’s thoughts on how Shakespeare’s tragedy encompasses the public and private desires of history’s infamous pair of lovers.
Behind the Camera with Antony and Cleopatra
The sultry D.C. summer is winding down, but things are just heating up at Folger Theatre where we’re preparing for our first show of the season: Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra.