Until the late 18th century, Shakespeare’s works were known in America only on the page – and not the stage. Felicia Hardison Londré, the Curators’ Professor of Theatre at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, traces the Bard’s trajectory in this country from colonial times to today’s vast network of Shakespeare festivals. Her illustrated presentation explores, in part, the glory days of Shakespearean tours and the Bard’s popularity on the Western frontier.

The event help celebrate a special upcoming exhibit, First Folio! The Book That Gave Us Shakespeare, on tour from the Folger Shakespeare Library. All related events are made possible by a generous contribution from the David W. Newcomer IV and Gene Ann Newcomer Family Foundation Fund in memory of Gene Ann’s brother, Professor John Klier.