Shakespeare in American Life: Difference between revisions

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''Shakespeare in American Life'', part of the [[Exhibitions at the Folger]] opened March 8, 2007 and closed on August 18 2007. The exhibition was curated by Alden and [[Virginia Mason Vaughan|Virginia Vaughan]] with the assistance of Rachel Doggett, [[Richard Kuhta]], and Virginia Millington. The exhibition [http://www.folger.edu/store/sd4/product/shakespeare-in-american-life-1372.cfm catalog] can be purchased from the Folger Shop.
[[File:ART 251518.jpg|thumb|right|290px|Paul Robeson as Othello, 1944. Folger Digital Image [http://luna.folger.edu/luna/servlet/s/6h9cl9 1132].]]
''Shakespeare in American Life'', one of the [[Exhibitions at the Folger]] opened March 8, 2007 and closed on August 18 2007. The exhibition was curated by Alden and [[Virginia Mason Vaughan|Virginia Vaughan]] with the assistance of Rachel Doggett, [[Richard Kuhta]], and Virginia Millington. The exhibition [http://shop.folger.edu/store/165027%21165/Catalog+Shakespeare+in+America catalog] can be purchased from the Folger Shop.
 
William Shakespeare has had, and continues to have, a profound influence on American culture, education, and even politics! 
The Bard would surely be pleased, and probably surprised, at how Americans have embraced his plays, sonnets and poems. ''Shakespeare in American Life'' celebrates the Bard's influence on American culture and the [[Folger Shakespeare Library|Folger Library's]] 75th Anniversary in 2007.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


William Shakespeare has had, and continues to have, a profound influence on American culture, education, and even politics! That's why we made ''Shakespeare in American Life'' the theme of our 75th anniversary in 2007.


William Shakespeare would surely be pleased, and probably surprised, at how Americans have embraced his plays, sonnets and poems. ''Shakespeare in American Life'' celebrates the Bard's influence on American culture and the Folger Library's 75th Anniversary.


== Contents of the exhibition ==
== Contents of the exhibition ==
=== Shakespeare in American Life audio tour ===
=== ''Shakespeare in American Life'' audio tour ===
Explore ''Shakespeare in American Life'' through this [http://www.folger.edu/Content/Whats-On/Folger-Exhibitions/Past-Exhibitions/Shakespeare-in-American-Life-.cfm audio tour]
 
Explore ''Shakespeare in American Life'' through this [http://old.folger.edu/Content/Whats-On/Folger-Exhibitions/Past-Exhibitions/Shakespeare-in-American-Life-.cfm audio tour]


==== Making Shakespeare Our Own ====
==== Making Shakespeare Our Own ====


Listen to co-curator Virginia Vaughan [http://www.folger.edu/documents/19.wav discuss a presentation copy] of Shakespeare's ''Complete Works.''
Listen to co-curator Virginia Vaughan [http://old.folger.edu/documents/19.wav discuss a presentation copy] of Shakespeare's ''Complete Works.''


===== Items included =====
===== Items included =====
* William Shakespeare. ''The complete works of Shakspeare''. Ed. George Steevens. Cincinnati: Rickey and Carrol, 1864. Call number: [http://hamnet.folger.edu/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=265603 PR2752 1864h Sh.Col.]; displayed [http://luna.folger.edu/luna/servlet/s/0p05st Presentation label for Clara Barton].
* William Shakespeare. ''The complete works of Shakspeare''. Ed. George Steevens. Cincinnati: Rickey and Carrol, 1864. Call number: [http://hamnet.folger.edu/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=265603 PR2752 1864h Sh.Col.]; displayed [http://luna.folger.edu/luna/servlet/s/0p05st Presentation label for Clara Barton].


==== 19th-Century Americans Study Shakespeare ====
==== 19th-Century Americans Study Shakespeare ====


Listen to co-curator Virginia Vaughan discuss Delia Bacon's [http://www.folger.edu/documents/20.wav theories on authorship].
Listen to co-curator Virginia Vaughan discuss Delia Bacon's [http://old.folger.edu/documents/20.wav theories on authorship].


===== Items included =====
===== Items included =====
* Increase Cooke. ''Sequel to the American orator, or, dialogues for schools''. New Haven: Increase Cooke, 1813. Call number: [http://hamnet.folger.edu/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=59725 PN4201 .C71] and [http://luna.folger.edu/luna/servlet/s/86ro3w LUNA Digital Image].
* Increase Cooke. ''Sequel to the American orator, or, dialogues for schools''. New Haven: Increase Cooke, 1813. Call number: [http://hamnet.folger.edu/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=59725 PN4201 .C71] and [http://luna.folger.edu/luna/servlet/s/86ro3w LUNA Digital Image].
* Delia Bacon. Letter from Delia Bacon to Ralph Waldo Emerson. Manuscript, 1852-1855. Call number: [http://findingaids.folger.edu/dfodelia.xml#contents Y.c.2599 (81?-89?)].
* Delia Bacon. Letter from Delia Bacon to Ralph Waldo Emerson. Manuscript, 1852-1855. Call number: [http://hamnet.folger.edu/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=230379 Y.c.2599 (81?-89?)] and [http://findingaids.folger.edu/dfodelia.xml#contents Guide to the Papers of Delia Bacon].


==== American Travesties of Shakespeare ====
==== American Travesties of Shakespeare ====


Listen to co-curator Virginia Vaughan discuss [http://www.folger.edu/documents/16.wav minstrel shows use of Shakespeare's texts].
Listen to co-curator Virginia Vaughan discuss [http://old.folger.edu/documents/16.wav minstrel shows use of Shakespeare's texts].
 
===== Items included =====


===== Items included ====
* ''Desdemonum: an Ethiopian Burlesque, in Three Scenes''. New York: Happy Hours Co., 1874?. Call number: [http://hamnet.folger.edu/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=65908 PR2829 A72 D4]; displayed [http://luna.folger.edu/luna/servlet/s/igz6if front cover].
* ''Desdemonum: an Ethiopian Burlesque, in Three Scenes''. New York: Happy Hours Co., 1874?. Call number: [http://hamnet.folger.edu/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=65908 PR2829 A72 D4]; displayed [http://luna.folger.edu/luna/servlet/s/igz6if front cover].
* R.W. Criswell. ''The new Shakspeare and other travesties''. New York: The American news company, 1882. Call number: [http://hamnet.folger.edu/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=88389 PR2878 .C85]; displayed [http://luna.folger.edu/luna/servlet/s/d4xexs pp. 8-9].
* R.W. Criswell. ''The new Shakspeare and other travesties''. New York: The American news company, 1882. Call number: [http://hamnet.folger.edu/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=88389 PR2878 .C85]; displayed [http://luna.folger.edu/luna/servlet/s/d4xexs pp. 8-9].


==== African-American Pioneers ====
==== African-American Pioneers ====
Listen to co-curator Alden Vaughan discuss [http://old.folger.edu/documents/24.wav Paul Robeson]
===== Items included =====
* Robert Edmond Jones. Costume design for Paul Robeson as "Othello". Ink and gouache drawing with fabric swatches attached, 1943. Call number: [http://hamnet.folger.edu/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=258794 ART Box J79 no. 1] and [http://luna.folger.edu/luna/servlet/s/617b2v LUNA Digital Image]. Gift of James O. Belden in memory of Evelyn Berry Belden.
* Carl Van Vechten. Portrait photograph of Paul Robeson as Othello. Silver gelatin photographic print. [New York]: 1944. Call number: [http://hamnet.folger.edu/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=111529 ART 251518] and [http://luna.folger.edu/luna/servlet/s/6h9cl9 LUNA Digital Image].
* William Shakespeare. ''The tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice''. Souvenir promptbook. [S.l. : s.n., n.d.]. Call number: [http://hamnet.folger.edu/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=84589 PROMPT Oth. Fo.2] and [http://luna.folger.edu/luna/servlet/s/r5v27f LUNA Digital Image].


==== Shakespeare in American Politics ====
==== Shakespeare in American Politics ====
Listen to co-curator Alden Vaughan discuss [http://old.folger.edu/documents/17.wav Franklin D. Roosevelt].
===== Items included =====
* Clifford Kennedy Berryman. ''To bee or not to bee....'' FDR, as Hamlet, considers a third term. Pen and ink, ca. 1940. from ''Political caricatures inspired by Shakespeare''. Pen and ink drawings, [1932-1944]. Catalog item 36. Call number: [http://hamnet.folger.edu/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=248946 ART Box B534 no.5] and [http://luna.folger.edu/luna/servlet/s/3k7laq LUNA Digital Image].


==== Shakespeare Festivals ====
==== Shakespeare Festivals ====


=== Shakespeare in American Life exhibition list ===
Listen to co-curator Virginia Vaughan discuss [http://old.folger.edu/documents/28.wav ''Caliban by the yellow sands''] by Percy MacKaye.
 
===== Items included =====
 
* Shakespeare-by-the-Sea, Virginia Beach. ''Romeo and Juliet; Taming of the Shrew''. Promotional poster, 1982. Call number: Shakespeare Festivals: American. 1982, Virginia Beach Department of Parks and Recreation and [http://luna.folger.edu/luna/servlet/s/082cn0 LUNA Digital Image].
* Percy MacKaye. ''Caliban by the yellow sands''. Garden City, New York: Doubleday, Page & Company, 1916. Call number: [http://hamnet.folger.edu/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=37356 PR2923 1916.M2] and [http://luna.folger.edu/luna/servlet/s/6ikwl0 LUNA Digital Image].


=== [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/kids/index.cfm Shakespeare in American Life children's exhibition] ===
=== [[Shakespeare in American Life exhibition item list|''Shakespeare in American Life'' exhibition item list]] ===


== Supplemental materials ==
=== [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/kids/index.cfm ''Shakespeare in American Life'' children's exhibition] ===


=== Shakespeare in American Life radio program ===
== ''Shakespeare in American Life'' radio program ==


In celebration of the Folger Library's 75th Anniversary, a radio documentary aired on Public Radio International (PRI) stations beginning in April 2007. This Folger production of three one-hour shows, narrated by Sam Waterston and created by producer Richard Paul, reaches out to new audiences as it brings to life an extraordinary range of topics in radio’s theater of the imagination.  
In celebration of the Folger Library's 75th Anniversary, a radio documentary aired on Public Radio International (PRI) stations beginning in April 2007. This Folger production of three one-hour shows, narrated by Sam Waterston and created by producer Richard Paul, reaches out to new audiences as it brings to life an extraordinary range of topics in radio’s theater of the imagination.  


==== [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/documentary/listen.cfm Listen to the documentary] ====
=== [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/documentary/listen.cfm Listen to the documentary] ===


=== Shakespeare in American Life website ===
== ''Shakespeare in American Life'' website ==


An extensive website, [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org Shakespeare in American Life] was developed as both a lasting online resource and a companion project. Primarily focused on the radio program, it includes a variety of supplemental materials and interactive elements.
An extensive website, [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org Shakespeare in American Life] was developed as both a lasting online resource and a companion project. Primarily focused on the radio program, it includes a variety of supplemental materials and interactive elements.


==== [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/stage/index.cfm Stage and Screen] ====
=== [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/stage/index.cfm Stage and Screen] ===


Supplemental material for the first episode, Shakespeare Becomes American.  
Supplemental material for the first episode, ''Shakespeare Becomes American''.  


Early records of Shakespeare in America are fragmentary, but we know of an amateur performance of [[Romeo and Juliet|''Romeo and Juliet'']] in 1730 and a professional staging of [[Richard III|''Richard III'']] in 1750, both in New York. Since then, the vast story of Shakespeare on the American stage has come to include everything from lavish historical recreations to bare-bones outdoor sets and, in recent years, actors of every ethnic and racial origin. In the twentieth century, new media like radio, the movies, and television provided brand-new arenas for America’s directors and performers to explore the many possibilities of Shakespeare’s works.  
Early records of Shakespeare in America are fragmentary, but we know of an amateur performance of [[Romeo and Juliet|''Romeo and Juliet'']] in 1730 and a professional staging of [[Richard III|''Richard III'']] in 1750, both in New York. Since then, the vast story of Shakespeare on the American stage has come to include everything from lavish historical recreations to bare-bones outdoor sets and, in recent years, actors of every ethnic and racial origin. In the twentieth century, new media like radio, the movies, and television provided brand-new arenas for America’s directors and performers to explore the many possibilities of Shakespeare’s works.  


==== [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/education/index.cfm Education and Inspiration] ====
Listen to the episode.


Supplemental material for the second episode, The Father of the Man in America.
<html5media>http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/audio/Episode1Performance.mp3</html5media>
 
=== [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/education/index.cfm Education and Inspiration] ===
 
Supplemental material for the second episode, ''The Father of the Man in America''.


Shakespeare’s works weave like a bright thread through the history of American education and self-improvement. Over the centuries, his plays have served in the classroom as models for public speaking, guides to morality, works of literature to be read, passages to be performed—and sometimes all of the above. In the public arena, Shakespeare has appealed to different American audiences, from rowdy nineteenth-century workers to the literary and social elite, and from local groups that formed their own Shakespeare societies to picnic-bearing families at outdoor theaters under the stars.
Shakespeare’s works weave like a bright thread through the history of American education and self-improvement. Over the centuries, his plays have served in the classroom as models for public speaking, guides to morality, works of literature to be read, passages to be performed—and sometimes all of the above. In the public arena, Shakespeare has appealed to different American audiences, from rowdy nineteenth-century workers to the literary and social elite, and from local groups that formed their own Shakespeare societies to picnic-bearing families at outdoor theaters under the stars.


==== [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/identity/index.cfm The American Identity] ====
Listen to the episode.


Supplemental material for the final episode, Shakespeare is a Black Woman: Shakespeare in American Politics.
<html5media>http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/audio/Episode2_CivicLife.mp3</html5media>


This section examines Shakespeare’s impacts on many aspects of American life, from commercial references in advertising and product packaging to such diverse subjects as crafts, American politics, and ethnic and racial identity. It also takes a closer look at the Shakespeare play that is most closely tied to the New World—[[The Tempest|''The Tempest'']], which may well refer in part to a terrible storm in 1609 that struck an English fleet on the way to Jamestown.
=== [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/identity/index.cfm The American Identity] ===


==== Educator resources ====
Supplemental material for the final episode, ''Shakespeare is a Black Woman: Shakespeare in American Politics''.
 
This section examines Shakespeare’s impact on many aspects of American life, from commercial references in advertising and product packaging to such diverse subjects as crafts, American politics, and ethnic and racial identity. It also takes a closer look at the Shakespeare play that is most closely tied to the New World—[[The Tempest|''The Tempest'']], which may well refer in part to a terrible storm in 1609 that struck an English fleet on the way to Jamestown.
 
Listen to the episode.
 
<html5media>http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/audio/Episode3Politics.mp3</html5media>
 
=== Educator resources ===


Select [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/teachers/lessonplans/index.cfm lesson plans] for teachers for a variety of subjects related to Shakespeare and American life.
Select [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/teachers/lessonplans/index.cfm lesson plans] for teachers for a variety of subjects related to Shakespeare and American life.


As you can tell from these lesson plans, Folger Education believes that the best way to learning Shakespeare is to do Shakespeare and encourages teaching methods that get students up on their feet. To see some Folger Education teaching methods in action, go to [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/education/schooldays/playing.cfm Playing Shakespeare Today].
As you can tell from these lesson plans, [[Folger Education]] believes that the best way to learn Shakespeare is to do Shakespeare and encourages teaching methods that get students up on their feet. To see some Folger Education teaching methods in action, go to [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/education/schooldays/playing.cfm Playing Shakespeare Today].


==== [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/features/index.cfm Special features] ====
=== [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/features/index.cfm Special features] ===


Launch your own exploration of Shakespeare in American life through these unique features—from an interactive timeline that spans four centuries, to the works of art in our American Shakespeare Gallery, to the quips, insights, and comments of Americans who were “speaking of Shakespeare.” Download a [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/features/screensaver.cfm screensaver or wallpaper] to customize your desktop, or weigh in with your own projects in Shakespeare in Your Life. Try the [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/features/faqs/index.cfm FAQs] to learn more about Shakespeare in American life. To find Shakespeare theaters, festivals, and other destinations throughout the United States, explore the clickable maps in Shakespeare USA.
Launch your own exploration of Shakespeare in American life through these unique features—from an interactive timeline that spans four centuries, to the works of art in our American Shakespeare Gallery, to the quips, insights, and comments of Americans who were “speaking of Shakespeare.” Download a [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/features/screensaver.cfm screensaver or wallpaper] to customize your desktop, or weigh in with your own projects in Shakespeare in Your Life. Try the [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/features/faqs/index.cfm FAQs] to learn more about Shakespeare in American life. To find Shakespeare theaters, festivals, and other destinations throughout the United States, explore the clickable maps in Shakespeare USA.
== Supplemental materials ==


=== For further information ===
=== For further information ===
Line 86: Line 135:
Consult this [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/resources/links.cfm list of websites] to learn more online about Shakespeare in American life.
Consult this [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/resources/links.cfm list of websites] to learn more online about Shakespeare in American life.


==== [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/resources/reading/general.cfm Bibliography of readings related to Shakespeare in American Life] ====  
==== [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/resources/reading/general.cfm Readings related to ''Shakespeare in American Life''] ====  
==== [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/resources/viewing/index.cfm Bibliography of American film, television, and documentaries related to Shakespeare] ====
: [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/resources/reading/onstage.cfm Shakespeare on the American Stage]
: [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/resources/reading/africanamerican.cfm Shakespeare and African American Theater]
: [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/resources/reading/ethnic.cfm Shakespeare and Ethnic Theater]
: [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/resources/reading/regions.cfm Shakespeare in Different Regions of the United States]
: [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/resources/reading/movies.cfm Shakespeare in the Movies and on Television]
: [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/resources/reading/inprint.cfm Shakespeare in Print in America]
: [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/resources/reading/visualarts.cfm Shakespeare in the American Visual Arts]
: [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/resources/reading/education.cfm Shakespeare and American Education]
: [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/resources/reading/politicalhistory.cfm Shakespeare in American Political History]
: [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/resources/reading/tempest.cfm The ''Sea Venture'' and ''The Tempest'']
 
==== [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/resources/viewing/index.cfm American film, television, and documentaries related to Shakespeare] ====
: [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/resources/viewing/plays.cfm The Plays]
: [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/resources/viewing/inspired.cfm Inspired by Shakespeare]
: [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/resources/viewing/documentaries.cfm Documentaries]
: [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/stage/hollywood/list1.cfm Movie and Television List]
 
==== [http://www.shakespeareinamericanlife.org/resources/links.cfm Related websites] ====
 
[[Category: Public programs]]
[[Category: Exhibitions]]
[[Category: 17th century]]
[[Category: 18th century]]
[[Category: 19th century]]
[[Category: 20th century]]
[[Category: 21st century]]
[[Category: Collection]]
[[Category: Art]]
[[Category: Early modern drama]]

Latest revision as of 08:25, 10 July 2015

Paul Robeson as Othello, 1944. Folger Digital Image 1132.

Shakespeare in American Life, one of the Exhibitions at the Folger opened March 8, 2007 and closed on August 18 2007. The exhibition was curated by Alden and Virginia Vaughan with the assistance of Rachel Doggett, Richard Kuhta, and Virginia Millington. The exhibition catalog can be purchased from the Folger Shop.

William Shakespeare has had, and continues to have, a profound influence on American culture, education, and even politics! The Bard would surely be pleased, and probably surprised, at how Americans have embraced his plays, sonnets and poems. Shakespeare in American Life celebrates the Bard's influence on American culture and the Folger Library's 75th Anniversary in 2007.







Contents of the exhibition

Shakespeare in American Life audio tour

Explore Shakespeare in American Life through this audio tour

Making Shakespeare Our Own

Listen to co-curator Virginia Vaughan discuss a presentation copy of Shakespeare's Complete Works.

Items included

19th-Century Americans Study Shakespeare

Listen to co-curator Virginia Vaughan discuss Delia Bacon's theories on authorship.

Items included

American Travesties of Shakespeare

Listen to co-curator Virginia Vaughan discuss minstrel shows use of Shakespeare's texts.

Items included
  • Desdemonum: an Ethiopian Burlesque, in Three Scenes. New York: Happy Hours Co., 1874?. Call number: PR2829 A72 D4; displayed front cover.
  • R.W. Criswell. The new Shakspeare and other travesties. New York: The American news company, 1882. Call number: PR2878 .C85; displayed pp. 8-9.

African-American Pioneers

Listen to co-curator Alden Vaughan discuss Paul Robeson

Items included
  • Robert Edmond Jones. Costume design for Paul Robeson as "Othello". Ink and gouache drawing with fabric swatches attached, 1943. Call number: ART Box J79 no. 1 and LUNA Digital Image. Gift of James O. Belden in memory of Evelyn Berry Belden.
  • Carl Van Vechten. Portrait photograph of Paul Robeson as Othello. Silver gelatin photographic print. [New York]: 1944. Call number: ART 251518 and LUNA Digital Image.
  • William Shakespeare. The tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice. Souvenir promptbook. [S.l. : s.n., n.d.]. Call number: PROMPT Oth. Fo.2 and LUNA Digital Image.

Shakespeare in American Politics

Listen to co-curator Alden Vaughan discuss Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Items included
  • Clifford Kennedy Berryman. To bee or not to bee.... FDR, as Hamlet, considers a third term. Pen and ink, ca. 1940. from Political caricatures inspired by Shakespeare. Pen and ink drawings, [1932-1944]. Catalog item 36. Call number: ART Box B534 no.5 and LUNA Digital Image.

Shakespeare Festivals

Listen to co-curator Virginia Vaughan discuss Caliban by the yellow sands by Percy MacKaye.

Items included
  • Shakespeare-by-the-Sea, Virginia Beach. Romeo and Juliet; Taming of the Shrew. Promotional poster, 1982. Call number: Shakespeare Festivals: American. 1982, Virginia Beach Department of Parks and Recreation and LUNA Digital Image.
  • Percy MacKaye. Caliban by the yellow sands. Garden City, New York: Doubleday, Page & Company, 1916. Call number: PR2923 1916.M2 and LUNA Digital Image.

Shakespeare in American Life exhibition item list

Shakespeare in American Life children's exhibition

Shakespeare in American Life radio program

In celebration of the Folger Library's 75th Anniversary, a radio documentary aired on Public Radio International (PRI) stations beginning in April 2007. This Folger production of three one-hour shows, narrated by Sam Waterston and created by producer Richard Paul, reaches out to new audiences as it brings to life an extraordinary range of topics in radio’s theater of the imagination.

Listen to the documentary

Shakespeare in American Life website

An extensive website, Shakespeare in American Life was developed as both a lasting online resource and a companion project. Primarily focused on the radio program, it includes a variety of supplemental materials and interactive elements.

Stage and Screen

Supplemental material for the first episode, Shakespeare Becomes American.

Early records of Shakespeare in America are fragmentary, but we know of an amateur performance of Romeo and Juliet in 1730 and a professional staging of Richard III in 1750, both in New York. Since then, the vast story of Shakespeare on the American stage has come to include everything from lavish historical recreations to bare-bones outdoor sets and, in recent years, actors of every ethnic and racial origin. In the twentieth century, new media like radio, the movies, and television provided brand-new arenas for America’s directors and performers to explore the many possibilities of Shakespeare’s works.

Listen to the episode.

Education and Inspiration

Supplemental material for the second episode, The Father of the Man in America.

Shakespeare’s works weave like a bright thread through the history of American education and self-improvement. Over the centuries, his plays have served in the classroom as models for public speaking, guides to morality, works of literature to be read, passages to be performed—and sometimes all of the above. In the public arena, Shakespeare has appealed to different American audiences, from rowdy nineteenth-century workers to the literary and social elite, and from local groups that formed their own Shakespeare societies to picnic-bearing families at outdoor theaters under the stars.

Listen to the episode.

The American Identity

Supplemental material for the final episode, Shakespeare is a Black Woman: Shakespeare in American Politics.

This section examines Shakespeare’s impact on many aspects of American life, from commercial references in advertising and product packaging to such diverse subjects as crafts, American politics, and ethnic and racial identity. It also takes a closer look at the Shakespeare play that is most closely tied to the New World—The Tempest, which may well refer in part to a terrible storm in 1609 that struck an English fleet on the way to Jamestown.

Listen to the episode.

Educator resources

Select lesson plans for teachers for a variety of subjects related to Shakespeare and American life.

As you can tell from these lesson plans, Folger Education believes that the best way to learn Shakespeare is to do Shakespeare and encourages teaching methods that get students up on their feet. To see some Folger Education teaching methods in action, go to Playing Shakespeare Today.

Special features

Launch your own exploration of Shakespeare in American life through these unique features—from an interactive timeline that spans four centuries, to the works of art in our American Shakespeare Gallery, to the quips, insights, and comments of Americans who were “speaking of Shakespeare.” Download a screensaver or wallpaper to customize your desktop, or weigh in with your own projects in Shakespeare in Your Life. Try the FAQs to learn more about Shakespeare in American life. To find Shakespeare theaters, festivals, and other destinations throughout the United States, explore the clickable maps in Shakespeare USA.

Supplemental materials

For further information

Consult this list of websites to learn more online about Shakespeare in American life.

Readings related to Shakespeare in American Life

Shakespeare on the American Stage
Shakespeare and African American Theater
Shakespeare and Ethnic Theater
Shakespeare in Different Regions of the United States
Shakespeare in the Movies and on Television
Shakespeare in Print in America
Shakespeare in the American Visual Arts
Shakespeare and American Education
Shakespeare in American Political History
The Sea Venture and The Tempest

American film, television, and documentaries related to Shakespeare

The Plays
Inspired by Shakespeare
Documentaries
Movie and Television List

Related websites