The Humanities Lab

An uproarious farce filled with mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and pratfalls, The Comedy of Errors deserves a deeper look into the dynamics of comedy. Learn more about Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors in a full-day course at the Folger, with engaging activities, scholar talks, and Folger Theatre’s matinee performance to highlight the simple truth that love, laughter, and community make life richer.

In this course, participants will start the day with a private tour of the Folger exhibition halls before public hours to learn more about the history of the library and its collections. Explore objects on display relating to The Comedy of Errors and practice lines from Shakespeare out loud (no acting experience required!). Then, dive into the plot and listen to a guest scholar discuss significant themes, characters, and interpretations of one of Shakespeare’s earliest comedies. After a lunch break, participants will attend the matinee performance of The Comedy of Errors, directed by Folger favorite and four-time Helen Hayes Award winner Holly Twyford, and end their day with a post-show discussion bringing together all elements of the course into final takeaways from a full day at the Folger.

Everyone’s welcome, whatever your knowledge level. All you need is your observation skills and a willingness to learn! Your course fee includes a private tour, morning refreshments, boxed lunch, and your ticket to the matinee performance of The Comedy of Errors.

If you were already thinking of seeing The Comedy of Errors but would like to double your fun with two sets of twins and more context around this comedy and the current production, this is a wonderful opportunity to spend time with others interested in exploring and unpacking how this comedy shows how all roads lead to home.

We’re keeping the class small, so space is limited – register today!