The Folger Shakespeare Library opens a new exhibition tracing the historical impact of Black women on Shakespearean works through art, writing, and performance.
Starting October 16. the Folger Shakespeare Library invites visitors to confront a long-overlooked history with the opening of “To Hear Her Speak: Black Women and Shakespeare.” The exhibition charts how Black women have navigated. challenged. and reimagined the works of William Shakespeare from his era to the present day.
Nearly 100 objects serve as the backbone of the display, featuring diaries, photographs, costumes, and playbills. According to Patricia Akhimie. director of the Folger Institute. the significance lies in the origin of these items: almost all were created or authored by Black women. Among the most evocative pieces is a yellow legal pad belonging to Toni Morrison. filled with handwritten notes for her play “Desdemona”—a subversive. direct response to the character in Shakespeare’s “Othello.”.
The exhibit highlights the diverse voices of writers, scholars, actors, and artists, including Maya Angelou, Phillis Wheatley, Ida B. Wells, and Lorraine Hansberry. For attendees. the experience is designed to be interactive. featuring a reading area and video displays showing actors and writers—such as Hansberry—grappling with their own creative practices in relation to the Bard.
The curation reflects a deliberate effort to position Black women not merely as observers, but as architects of Shakespearean discourse. As Akhimie notes, the goal is for visitors to feel inspired by the sheer breadth of this engagement and to see themselves as part of a centuries-old legacy.
To guide the experience. visitors can access a Spotify playlist created for the event or listen to an audio guide narrated by actress and director Adjoa Andoh. widely recognized for her role as Lady Danbury in “Bridgerton.” The exhibition will remain on view through May 2. 2027. While admission is free, the Folger encourages a $15 donation to support its ongoing programming.
Folger Shakespeare Library Black women Toni Morrison To Hear Her Speak Washington DC events Shakespeare