The Humanities Lab

“To be or not to be?” Shakespeare’s most celebrated play returns to the playwright’s American home, and you are invited to explore Elsinore like never before. In this full-day course, experience Shakespeare’s “poem unlimited” with engaging activities, scholar talks, and Folger Theatre’s matinee performance of Hamlet.

In this course, participants will start the day with an introduction to the Folger alongside a light breakfast. Then, attend 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 Hamlet and practice lines from Shakespeare out loud (no acting experience required!). Then, we’ll dive into the plot and listen to a guest scholar discuss significant themes, characters, and interpretations of Hamlet.

After lunch, which is included in your registration fee, participants will attend the matinee performance of Hamlet, directed by Drama League Award winner Kate Whoriskey, 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 Hamlet.

Whether you can recite a favorite Hamlet soliloquy or are just curious about exploring what’s really rotten in Denmark, this Humanities Lab course provides more context around the play and the Folger’s current production, offering a wonderful opportunity to spend time with others interested in exploring and unpacking more together.

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