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Folger Opens “To Hear Her Speak” Shakespeare Exhibition

By Drooid · Oct 18, 2026, 3:23 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

The Folger Shakespeare Library opened “To Hear Her Speak: Black Women and Shakespeare.”
Dr Patricia Akhimie curated the exhibition.
The show displays 100 items, including a First Folio bought by a slave-owning family and Phillis Wheatley’s copybook.
A replica of Lorraine Hansberry’s living room lets visitors watch videos of Black women discussing Shakespeare.
An audioguide narrated by Adjoa Andoh features playlist with Aretha Franklin, Lauryn Hill, Billie Holiday, and SZA.

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Story summary

The Folger Shakespeare Library opened “To Hear Her Speak: Black Women and Shakespeare.”
Dr Patricia Akhimie curated the exhibition.
The show displays 100 items, including a First Folio bought by a slave-owning family and Phillis Wheatley’s copybook.
A replica of Lorraine Hansberry’s living room lets visitors watch videos of Black women discussing Shakespeare.
An audioguide narrated by Adjoa Andoh features playlist with Aretha Franklin, Lauryn Hill, Billie Holiday, and SZA.