Folger Library Opens Exhibition on Black Women and Shakespeare
The new exhibition highlights the historical engagement of Black women with the works of William Shakespeare.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in African-American
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The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington has launched a new exhibition titled To Hear Her Speak. The display examines the long-standing and often overlooked contributions of Black women to the study and interpretation of Shakespeare's works.
Why it matters
By showcasing previously marginalized voices, the exhibition aims to broaden the historical understanding of how Shakespeare's literature has been engaged with across diverse communities. It highlights specific figures whose scholarly and artistic work has shaped the legacy of the playwright.
The collection features more than 100 artifacts, including personal copybooks and costumes. These items are held alongside the institution's 82 copies of the Shakespeare First Folio.
The players
Folger Shakespeare Library
This Washington-based institution is a world-renowned center for research and education dedicated to the study of William Shakespeare.
Phillis Wheatley
She was the first African-American author of a published book of poetry and is represented in the exhibition through her personal copybook.
Maya Angelou
A celebrated poet and civil rights activist who taught Shakespeare and directed a production of Macbeth at Wake Forest University.
Frances DeBerry
An early 20th-century figure who gained national attention for her expertise in Shakespearean comedies through quiz show appearances and publications.
Adjoa Andoh
A prominent actress known for her theater and screen work who provides the voice for the exhibition's audio guide.
The details
The exhibition incorporates diverse historical materials, such as a copybook owned by Phillis Wheatley that contains passages from Shakespeare. Visitors can also experience an audio guide voiced by Adjoa Andoh and view modern photography by Kennedi Carter titled Flexing: New Realm.
Timeline
Frances DeBerry won $16,000 on a quiz show in 1956.
Frances DeBerry published a book on Shakespeare's comedies in 1958.
Maya Angelou taught Shakespeare classes and directed Macbeth during the 1980s.
The exhibition opened at the Folger Shakespeare Library on October 21, 2026.
The exhibition is scheduled to close on May 2, 2027.
Culture Shift
This exhibition marks a departure from traditional literary curation by actively correcting the historical omission of Black female scholarship in classical literature studies. It reflects a broader cultural movement to diversify the canon and recognize the contributions of women within historical academia.
Residents in Washington can visit the library to engage with the exhibition through May 2027. The inclusion of music playlists and audio guides provides a contemporary entry point for visitors of all ages to explore these historical artifacts.
The takeaway
Visitors can gain new perspectives on classic literature by observing how historical figures navigated and interpreted these texts in their own lives. This exhibition serves as a reminder to explore local archives for overlooked stories of cultural and intellectual achievement.
Further reading
For more information on local cultural developments, visit the Washington African-American section.
More information
View the complete schedule and visitor details on the Folger Shakespeare Library official website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Washington Post.
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