How Shakespeare Saved My Life at Folger Theatre
Dates: 6/9/2026 - 7/5/2026
📍 Theatre: Folger Theatre
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How Shakespeare Saved My Life is a world premiere solo performance written and performed by Jacob Ming-Trent and directed by Tony Taccone. The piece blends Shakespeare with the voices of Basquiat, Biggie, and Tupac to explore Ming-Trent's turbulent youth and how art helped him find his identity and purpose. Co-commissioned by Folger Theatre and Red Bull Theater and co-produced by Berkeley Repertory Theatre, the show earned strong reviews during its January debut at Berkeley Repertory Theatre. The production runs 90 minutes and will have its New York City premiere in the fall at The Public Theater.
Cast and Creative Team for How Shakespeare Saved My Life at Folger Theatre
Cast
Danielle Preston
Ensemble
Alan C. Edwards
Ensemble
Jake Rodriguez
Ensemble
Alexander V. Nichols
Ensemble
Taylor Kiechlin
Ensemble
Miranda Korieth
Ensemble
Takeshi Kata
Ensemble
Tiffany Rachelle Stewart
Ensemble
Tony Taccone
Ensemble
Jacob Ming-Trent
Jacob
Creative Team
Tony Taccone
Director
Tiffany Rachelle Stewart
Choreography
Takeshi Kata
Scenic Design
Danielle Preston
Costume Design
Alan C. Edwards
Lighting Design
Jake Rodriguez
Sound Design and Original Music
Alexander V. Nichols
Projection Design
Taylor Kiechlin
Production Stage Manager
Miranda Korieth
Assistant Stage Manager
News About How Shakespeare Saved My Life at Folger Theatre
Review: HOW SHAKESPEARE SAVED MY LIFE at Folger Theatre
June 25, 2026 To quote the great bard himself, writer and actor Jacob Ming-Trent: “Congregation, that was a lot.” Facilitated by Folger Theatre and Red Bull Theater, Ming-Trent’s one-act, one-man show How Shakespeare Saved My Life was a lot of energy, a lot of testimony, and a lot of reckoning.
Jacob Ming-Trent's HOW SHAKESPEARE SAVED MY LIFE World Premiere is Coming to Folger Theatre
May 15, 2026 Jacob Ming-Trent's How Shakespeare Saved My Life, a solo show blending Shakespeare with the voices of Basquiat, Biggie, and Tupac, will have its world premiere at Folger Theatre in Washington, DC.
Folger Theatre Unveils Plays And Playwrights For The Fourth Annual READING ROOM FESTIVAL
November 20, 2025 Folger Theatre has announced the lineup for the fourth annual Reading Room Festival, which will present staged readings, workshops, panels, and community events exploring new writing inspired by Shakespeare.
Folger Theatre Reveals Plays And Playwrights For The Fourth Annual Reading Room Festival
November 20, 2025 Folger Theatre at the Folger Shakespeare Library revealed the plays and playwrights for the fourth annual Reading Room Festival, a four-day festival of staged readings, panel discussions, workshops, and community celebrations.
Jacob Ming-Trent Joins MERRY WIVES at Shakespeare Theatre Company
September 03, 2025 Lance Coadie Williams, originally announced as Falstaff in Merry Wives, will no longer appear in the show. Trent's Broadway credits include the Gypsy revival with Audra MacoDnald, Shrek the Musical, and Hands on a Hardbody.
HOW SHAKESPEARE SAVED MY LIFE and More Set for Folger Theatre 2025-26 Season
May 27, 2025 Folger Theatre has revealed its 2025-26 season at the Folger Shakespeare Library on Capitol Hill, featuring three productions. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Folger Theatre Announces Artists And Releases Full Program Lineup for The Second Year of THE READING ROOM FESTIVAL
January 12, 2024 Folger's Reading Room Festival - full schedule and press contacts for immediate release. Contact Peter Eramo, Jr. at 202.675.0344 or peramo@folger.edu.
Folger Theatre To Expands Reading Room Festival With Slate Of Engaging Programming
December 07, 2023 Folger Shakespeare Library has announced Folger Theatre's eagerly-awaited second iteration of The Reading Room Festival.About the Theatre
Folger Theatre Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
What shows are coming up next at Folger Theatre?
How Shakespeare Saved My Life (06/09/26-07/05/26)
What shows have played recently at Folger Theatre?
How Shakespeare Saved My Life (06/09/26-07/05/26)
Julius X: A Re-envisioning of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare (09/23/25-10/26/25)
Twelfth Night (05/13/25-06/22/25)
A Room in the Castle (03/04/25-04/06/25)
The Reading Room Festival (01/30/25-02/02/25)
District Merchants (05/31/16-07/03/16)
Twelfth Night (04/30/13-06/09/13)
Henry V (01/22/13-03/03/13)
The Taming of the Shrew (05/01/12-06/10/12)
The Gaming Table (01/24/12-03/04/12)
Julius X: A Re-envisioning of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare (09/23/25-10/26/25)
Twelfth Night (05/13/25-06/22/25)
A Room in the Castle (03/04/25-04/06/25)
The Reading Room Festival (01/30/25-02/02/25)
District Merchants (05/31/16-07/03/16)
Twelfth Night (04/30/13-06/09/13)
Henry V (01/22/13-03/03/13)
The Taming of the Shrew (05/01/12-06/10/12)
The Gaming Table (01/24/12-03/04/12)
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