First Folio! The Book that Gave Us Shakespeare
On tour from the Folger Shakespeare Library
May 9-June 12
Oglebay Institute’s Mansion Museum, Oglebay Resort, Wheeling, WV
Museum Open Daily from 10 -5 p.m.
Oglebay Institute Public Programs with Full Details
Most Up-to-Date Event Schedule Available at www.OIonline.com/firstfolio
Shakespeare Mini-Festival of Film (FREE)
(April –June)
The festival, presented by the Wheeling Film Society, includes screenings and discussions of three film adaptations of Shakespearean plays that present the extraordinary work of highly acclaimed actor, writer and director Kenneth Branagh. A stalwart interpreter of Shakespeare for the screen, Branagh is widely credited for making Shakespeare accessible to the masses.
Programs are free and open to the public. John Whitehead, author and professor of film studies at Wheeling Jesuit University, serves as host for the screenings and conversations.
3 p.m. April 23: Hamlet Screening, Towngate Theatre
Noon May 3: Hamlet Discussion, Ohio County Library
Hamlet is a rare production not only for its quality but also because it remains entirely faithful to the full breadth of the original text, cutting no important lines or scenes. The screening includes an intermission with a dinner option for $12.50.
3 p.m. May 22: Henry V Screening, Towngate Theatre
Noon May 24: Henry V Discussion, Ohio County Library
Henry V is a breathtaking adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s greatest history plays and is lushly cinematic without sacrificing any of Shakespeare’s original intentions for the stage.
3 p.m. June 12: Much Ado About Nothing Screening, Towngate Theatre
Noon June 14: Much Ado About Nothing Discussion, Ohio County Library
Much Ado About Nothing introduced theatrical audiences to conventions of romantic storytelling that we continue to follow faithfully in modern day romantic comedies. Filmed in golden Tuscan light with an outstanding cast of Hollywood and English actors, this adaptation is a fond Adieu to the First Folio’s visit to Wheeling.
The People’s University: Shakespeare (FREE)
(April-June)
In keeping with the mission of public libraries as sanctuaries of free learning for all people, the Ohio County Public Library created The People’s University, a free program for adults who wish to continue their education in the liberal arts. The spring session of courses focuses on Shakespeare and complements the exhibit First Folio! The Book That Gave Us Shakespeare on display at Oglebay Institute’s Mansion Museum. The People’s University meets for nine consecutive Tuesday evenings from April 26- June 21 at the Ohio County Public Library.
The Dresser
(May 6, 7, 8 & 13-14)
Oglebay Institute’s Towngate Theatre presents Ronald Harwood’s The Dresser, which tells the story of an aging actor’s assistant, who tries valiantly to prepare the ailing performer to deliver one final performance as King Lear.
8 p.m. May 6, 7, 13 and 14; 3 p.m. May 8 at Towngate Theatre. Tickets are $12.50. Students and members of Oglebay Institute receive a discount.
Madrigal Dinner
(May 7)
Enjoy an evening of music, dancing, food and drink fit for the Bard himself. Entertainment includes Marginalia, performing period music on period instruments and The Rustic Mechanicals, WV’s only professional touring Shakespeare troupe. Admission also includes a private First Folio! exhibit preview on May 8. This festive event is sponsored by Harris Law Office.
6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 7; Camp Russel, Oglebay. Admission is $75. Optional lodging is available at Oglebay’s Wilson Lodge.
Family Programs (FREE)
(May 14, 28 & June 11)
Children and their families are introduced to Shakespeare’s language through lines and speeches from Hamlet. Active language exercises help children access new language and words through their voices, bodies and imaginations. Families also explore the process of printing in Shakespeare’s time and the effort than went into making this extraordinary book.
All programs take place from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. at the Mansion Museum in Oglebay and are free and open to the public.
9 a.m. May 14, Mansion Museum: Have Fun With Hamlet
Children ages 6-8 and their families are introduced to Shakespeare’s language through activities featuring lines from Hamlet and active language exercises. (Cheryl Harshman, director of the Elbin Library at West Liberty University, instructs.)
9 a.m. May 28, Mansion Museum: Words, Words, Words
Children ages 9-12 and their families are introduced to Shakespeare’s language through activities featuring lines and speeches from Hamlet. (Oglebay Institute performing arts staff instructs.)
9 a.m. June 11, Mansion Museum: Create a Folio
Children ages 6-12 and their families are introduced to Shakespeare’s First Folio. As families explore the process of printing in Shakespeare’s time, they will understand some of the effort than went into making this extraordinary book. (Cheryl Harshman, director of the Elbin Library at West Liberty University, instructs)
ShakesBEER in the Park
(May 21)
Party like the groundlings in the Globe Theatre’s pit! Sample special “Shakesbeers” brewed by the Wheeling Alers, feast on 17th Century theater foods and enjoy interactive entertainment by The Rustic Mechanicals.
7 p.m, May 21 at the Anna Kuchinka Amphitheater, Oglebay Resort. Admission is $50; $45 for Oglebay Institute Members and OV Connect Members and $35 for designated drivers. VIP admission is $70 and includes early admission to the event and a handcrafted ale tankard customized for the event.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (FREE)
(May 21)
Presented by Wheeling Jesuit University, Duquesne University’s Red Masquers and Wheeling Central High School, the performance takes place at 7 p.m. at Wheeling Jesuit University’s Troy Theater.
The Tempest, performed by The Rustic Mechanicals (FREE)
(May 29)
An outdoor performance by WV’s only traveling Shakespeare troupe, based in Clarksburg at the Vintage Theatre Company.
7 p.m. at the Anne Kuchinka Amphitheater, Oglebay Resort. Free and open to the public.
Society of Creative Anachronism Demonstrations (FREE)
(June 4)
Join the Shire of Ballachlagan for a day of historic entertainment. Experience the armored combat of a medieval tournament and the early modern art of rapier fighting. See period artifacts and learn about late medieval customs. Participate in European and Middle-Eastern dance. Hands-on activities include printing, gaming and costuming with heraldic displays and other various domestic activities of Medieval and Renaissance times.
10 a.m.- 2p.m.; June 4 on the lawn of the Mansion Museum, Oglebay Resort. Free and open to the public.
Gravedigger’s Tale
(June 11)
Presented by the Folger Theatre, this interactive one-man play engages the audience in a retelling of Hamlet from his unique perspective. The program is sponsored by Kepner Funeral Home.
2 p.m. June 11, Mansion Museum, Oglebay Resort, Admission is $12.50.
7:30 p.m. June 11, Greenwood Cemetery, Admission is $25.