How Shakespeare Saved My Life

A tour-de-force solo performance by Broadway star Jacob Ming-Trent, *How Shakespeare Saved My Life* is a world-premiere autobiographical-inspired theatrical work at Folger Theatre. Written and performed by Ming-Trent and directed by Tony Taccone, the piece dives into Ming-Trent's youth, exploring his gift for poetry and his rejection as unfit to play the poet. He dares to rescue himself from the "slings and arrows" of his past, taking audiences on a journey that is by turns hilarious and tragic. Co-commissioned, developed, and presented by Folger Theatre, this limited engagement runs June 9 through July 5, 2026.

When: June 9 – July 5, 2026. Opening night is Tuesday, June 9.

Venue: Folger Theatre, located at the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC.

Tickets: $20 – $90. Pay What You Will pricing is available on opening night, Tuesday, June 9.

Lineup: Written and performed by Jacob Ming-Trent (Broadway's *The Harder They Come*, Folger Theatre's *A Midsummer Night's Dream*). Directed by Tony Taccone (former artistic director of Berkeley Repertory Theatre, director of *The Harder They Come*).

Run time: Not specified in available materials.

Ages: Not specified; check with the venue.

Note: This is a world-premiere solo performance co-commissioned, developed, and presented by Folger Theatre.