Shakespeare’s 455th Birthday at the Folger (photos)
By • April 17, 2019 0 2365
In what has become an annual tradition at the Folger Shakespeare Library on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., fans of the Bard gathered on Sunday, April 14, to celebrate the 455th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s birth.
There were plenty of activities for young and old alike, including sword fighting demonstrations, music recitals, workshops and arts and crafts. It was also the one day of the year when the Folger reading rooms are open to all.
The independent library at 201 E Capitol St. SE has the world’s largest collection of the printed works of Shakespeare and is a primary repository for rare materials from the early modern period. It also hosts a wide variety of events from theater and musical performances to poetry readings.
The birthday celebration concluded with a grand appearance and cutting of the cake by Queen Elizabeth I herself, accompanied by her favorite, William Cecil, 1st Baron Burleigh, ably portrayed by Penelope Rahming and John Finedore, respectively.
View Jeff Malet’s photos from the 2019 celebration of Shakespeare’s Birthday at the Folger Shakespeare Library by clicking on the photo icons below.
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- English Country Dance in DC (ECD in DC)
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- Matt and Sage (age 3) from Arlington Va.
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- Naila (age 7) and Sadie (8) show off their artwork created with hand stamps.
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- Folger docent Robin shows off Shakespeare related items for sale.
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- Holly shows off her artwork.
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- Members of the English Country Dance in DC (ECD in DC) pose in traditional costume after performing
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- Robert, Greg and Charles, members of the English Country Dance in DC (ECD in DC).
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- The Rock Creek Morris Women. a folk dance group, performs the traditional seasonal dances from the Cotswold area of England.
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- The Washington Revels Gallery Voices perform madirgals inside the Folger Theatre
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- Katie (age 5) tries on an Elizabethan costume from “Shakespear’s closet”.
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- Naila (age 7) and mom Ann try on an Elizabethan costumes from “Shakespear’s closet”.
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- Naila (age 7) tries on an Elizabethan costume from “Shakespear’s closet”.
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- Casey Kaleba demonstrates swordplay during the time of William Shakespeare.
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- John Finedore poses as Lord Burleigh, advisor to Queen Elizabeth I
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- Docent Mary Claire stops to take a selfie with William Shakespeare.
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- The WETA Classical Players perform in the Paster Reading Room.
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- Jessie, Hannah and Sandra from station WETA hand out souvenir items while the WETA Classical Players perform in the Paster Reading Room.
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- The WETA Classical Players perform in the Paster Reading Room.
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- Stained glass windows decorate the Folger Shakespeare Library.
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- Melanie and Bethany demonstrate the printing press.
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- Folger General Manager David Polk brings out the cake. (Don’t drop it!)
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- Queen Elizabeth I is escorted by Lord Burleigh through the halls of the Folger
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- Queen Elizabeth I is escorted by Lord Burleigh through the halls of the Folger
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- Queen Elizabeth I, portrayed by Penelope Rahming, uses her sword to cut the birthday cake in celebration of the 455th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s birth.
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- Queen Elizabeth I, portrayed by Penelope Rahming, uses her sword to cut the birthday cake in celebration of the 455th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s birth.
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- Birthday cake is served.
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- Birthday cake is served.
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- Queen Elizabeth I, portrayed by Penelope Rahming, poses with young Alice Kate, age 3.
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- Queen Elizabeth I, portrayed by Penelope Rahming poses with John Finedore as Lord Burleigh, advisor to the queen, and Gretchen as Feste, the jester,l from the William Shakespeare comedy Twelfth Night.
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- Anja, age 7 enjoys a piece of birthday cake.
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- Virginia, age 6, of Alexandria Va. enjoys a piece of Shakespeare’s birthday cake.
