The Humanities Lab: Imagining Shakespeare

The Humanities Lab: Imagining Shakespeare is a one-day course offered by the Folger Shakespeare Library, inspired by the temporary exhibition *Imagining Shakespeare: Mythmaking and Storytelling in the Regency Era*. The course explores how art forms and material culture shaped Shakespeare’s reputation across generations, focusing on 14 paintings from the Boydell Shakespeare Gallery that depict scenes from his plays and reflect his elevation to a cultural icon. Participants will tour the exhibition with Folger curators, engage with collection materials, and conclude with a discussion featuring guest scholar Paul Menzer, professor of Shakespeare and Performance at Mary Baldwin University. The course fee also includes a ticket to see Folger Theatre’s production of *How Shakespeare Saved My Life*, a performance by Broadway star Jacob Ming-Trent running from June 9 to July 5, 2026.

When: Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 5:30pm to 8:00pm.
Venue: Folger Shakespeare Library.
Tickets: Course fee is $75, or $60 for Folger members.
What’s included: Admission to the Humanities Lab course and a ticket to *How Shakespeare Saved My Life*.
Course schedule: The evening begins with an introduction to the Folger and light snacks, followed by guided observation in the *Imagining Shakespeare* exhibition, a curator chat about the Boydell Shakespeare Gallery, a collections encounter with Folger curators and librarians, and a scholar talk with Paul Menzer.
Guest scholar: Paul Menzer, executive director and professor of Shakespeare and Performance at Mary Baldwin University, author of multiple works including *The Complete Life of William Shakespeare* (2026).
Run time: 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Ages: Open to all; no prior knowledge of Shakespeare required.
Note: Space is limited; registration is open and may fill quickly. The course is designed for anyone with observation skills and a willingness to learn.