Twelfth Night
Simon Russell Beale on Shakespeare, from Hamlet to Titus
Called “the finest actor of his generation,” Beale has played just about everyone in Shakespeare’s canon. He reflects on the roles that have shaped his career and how his approach has evolved over time.
Order it: Viola's speech "I left no ring with her"
Viola aka Cesario is stunned to realize that she is in the middle of a love triangle, after Olivia sends a ring. Order the lines of her Twelfth Night speech as she puts it all together in our quiz.
Twelfth Night in the Folger Collection
Our assistant curator highlights a new acquisition and other material in our collection related to Twelfth Night
Famous quotes from Twelfth Night
Shakespeare’s comedy is filled with memorable lines, including its very first one. Explore some of the most well-known quotes, in order of their appearance in the play.
Charlotte Cushman and Twelfth Night
19th-century audiences adored Charlotte Cushman in Shakespeare, including Hamlet and Romeo but also Viola (and Cesario). Check out these Twelfth Night finds in our collection.
Quiz: Shakespeare and twins
Twins, sometimes separated or confused for one another, appear more than once in Shakespeare’s plays. Test your knowledge with our quiz on the subject.
Q&A with Twelfth Night director Mei Ann Teo
Director Mei Ann Teo shares the vision for Folger Theatre’s production of Twelfth Night. Shakespearean original practice, the soulful pop of local icon composer Be Steadwell, and an ensemble proposition all inform a production that Teo describes as “hilarious, sexy, and devastating.”
Play on!: An interview with "Twelfth Night" composer Be Steadwell
Folger Theatre’s Twelfth Night begins performances May 13. Composer Be Steadwell shares how The Cure, Elizabethan traditional ballads, the underground club scene in Berlin, and queer ball culture all inspire the songs for this production.
Quiz: How well do you know Twelfth Night?
It’s full of joy, love, music, and mistaken identities. Challenge yourself with our quiz about Twelfth Night!
Shakespeare quotes about fools
Shakespeare mentions the word “fool” more than 300 times. Here are seven quotes, often spoken by one of his wise—and witty—fools.
Will Tosh on the Hidden Queer Lives of William Shakespeare
Scholar Will Tosh explores the hidden queer lives in Shakespeare’s works, revealing how early modern gender fluidity and same-sex desire influenced the Bard’s plays and characters.
Sebastian and Antonio's hidden queer lives
In an excerpt from Straight Acting: The Hidden Queer Lives of William Shakespeare, Will Tosh uses lines from Twelfth Night to trace Sebastian and Antonio’s relationship.