Second Chances at Folger Theatre in “How Shakespeare Saved My Life”
The final production of Folger Theatre’s season explores why Shakespeare still matters.
Now on stage through July 5, How Shakespeare Saved My Life is a deeply personal one-man show written and performed by Broadway veteran Jacob Ming-Trent. A little bit memoir, but overall a stage for storytelling, this world premiere traces the actor’s turbulent youth and the unexpected role art played in helping him find direction, identity, and purpose.
Under the direction of Tony Taccone, the 90-minute production blends the words of Shakespeare with the cultural influence of Jean-Michel Basquiat, The Notorious B.I.G., and Tupac Shakur. The result is refreshingly artistic… less a conventional play than a conversation between classic literature, contemporary culture, and personal experience.
Ming-Trent is a magnetic presence, shifting between humor, heartbreak, and hard-earned wisdom with remarkable ease. Washington audiences may remember him as the scene-stealing Bottom in Folger Theatre’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the National Building Museum or from his recent Helen Hayes-nominated turn in Merry Wives at Shakespeare Theatre Company. Here, he has the stage to himself, and he fills it with generosity rather than ego.
What makes How Shakespeare Saved My Life particularly effective is its sincerity. The production never feels preachy, despite its uplifting premise. Instead, it offers a thoughtful reflection on how art can provide refuge, revelation, and resilience for those searching for a way forward.
The creative team supports that journey with imaginative projections, evocative sound design, and fluid choreography that enhance the storytelling without overwhelming it. Every element serves the central narrative: one artist sharing how creativity changed the course of his life.
In a season filled with spectacle across the region, How Shakespeare Saved My Life stands out for its intimacy. It’s a heartfelt, inventive, and quietly powerful production that reminds audiences that great art doesn’t just entertain, it should transform.
Recommended for ages 13 and up. “How Shakespeare Saved My Life” is approximately 85 minutes with no intermission.
