Queen Elizabeth I, portrayed by Penelope Rahming, uses her sword to cut the birsthday cake in celebration of the 455th anniversary of William Shakespeare's birth. Photo by Jeff Malet.In what has become an annual tradition at the Folger Shakespeare Library on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., fans of the Bard gathered to celebrate the 455th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s birth on Sunday, April 14, 2019.
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 libary 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” (1500–1750). It is also host’s a wide variety of events from theater and musical performances to poetry readings.
The Folger’s building and exhibitions are open to the public every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas, Mondays through Saturdays from 10am through 5pm and Sundays from noon to 5pm.
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.
English Country Dance in DC (ECD in DC)
Matt and Sage (age 3) from Arlington Va.
Naila (age 7) and Sadie (8) show off their artwork created with hand stamps.
Folger docent Robin shows off Shakespeare related items for sale.
Holly shows off her artwork.
Members of the English Country Dance in DC (ECD in DC) pose in traditional costume after performing
Robert, Greg and Charles, members of the English Country Dance in DC (ECD in DC).
The Rock Creek Morris Women. a folk dance group, performs the traditional seasonal dances from the Cotswold area of England.
The Washington Revels Gallery Voices perform madirgals inside the Folger Theatre
Katie (age 5) tries on an Elizabethan costume from “Shakespear’s closet”.
Naila (age 7) and mom Ann try on an Elizabethan costumes from “Shakespear’s closet”.
Naila (age 7) tries on an Elizabethan costume from “Shakespear’s closet”.
Casey Kaleba demonstrates swordplay during the time of William Shakespeare.
John Finedore poses as Lord Burleigh, advisor to Queen Elizabeth I
The WETA Classical Players perform in the Paster Reading Room.
Jessie, Hannah and Sandra from station WETA hand out souvenir items while the WETA Classical Players perform in the Paster Reading Room.
The WETA Classical Players perform in the Paster Reading Room.
Stained glass windows decorate the Folger Shakespeare Library.
Docent Mary Claire stops to take a salfie with William Shakespeare.
Melanie and Bethany demonstrate the printing press.
Taking out the birthday cake.
Queen Elizabeth I is escorted by Lord Burleigh through the halls of the Folger
Queen Elizabeth I is escorted by Lord Burleigh through the halls of the Folger
Queen Elizabeth I, portrayed by Penelope Rahming, uses her sword to cut the birsthday cake in celebration of the 455th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s birth.
Queen Elizabeth I, portrayed by Penelope Rahming, uses her sword to cut the birsthday cake in celebration of the 455th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s birth. Photo by Jeff Malet.
Birthday cake is served.
Birthday cake is served.
Queen Elizabeth I, portrayed by Penelope Rahming, poses with young Alice Kate, age 3.
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.
Anja, age 7 enjoys a piece of birthday cake.
Virginia, age 6, of Alexandria Va. enjoys a piece of Shakespeare’s birthday cake.