Black Women Reclaim Shakespeare's Voice

The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington DC presents "To Hear Her Speak: Black Women and Shakespeare," an exhibition exploring the profound historical connection between Black women and the works of William Shakespeare.

Curated by Dr. Patricia Akhimie, the exhibition reveals over 400 years of engagement, demonstrating how Black women have claimed and reimagined Shakespeare's plays and sonnets through scholarship and creative endeavors.

Figures like Maya Angelou, who famously suggested Shakespeare was a Black woman, and Toni Morrison, with her handwritten notes on a Shakespearean play, are central. The exhibition highlights this unique relationship, noting how Shakespeare's works have served as a source of inspiration and a powerful tool for Black female self-expression.

The exhibit features nearly 100 items, including photographs, playbills, books, and costumes, alongside video displays of notable Black actresses performing Shakespeare. An immersive replica of Lorraine Hansberry's living room allows visitors to explore relevant texts and watch discussions.

"To Hear Her Speak" also counters the myth that Shakespeare's London was not diverse, presenting evidence of Black presence. It addresses the historical erasure of Black women's contributions, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries coinciding with the transatlantic slave trade.

Artifacts like a First Folio owned by a slave-owning family and Phillis Wheatley's copybook are displayed, illustrating connections between Shakespeare, sugar, and slavery. The exhibition aims to empower visitors to create their own art and ideas inspired by Shakespeare.

This multi-sensory experience includes an exhibit-themed playlist and an audioguide narrated by Adjoa Andoh, designed for broad accessibility and to encourage active participation rather than passive observation.