Shakespeare in Ten Acts is an exhibition about the performances that made Shakespeare into
the icon that we know today. This exhibition is an immersive experience exploring over
400 years of Shakespeare in performance.
We're looking at key moments in history that have changed the way that we see Shakespeare.
Moments such as the first time a woman acted Shakespeare in 1660
and the first black actor to play Othello in 1825. We're looking at moments
that were profound cultural changes for society, not just for Shakespeare's reputation.
The exhibition includes the only surviving literary manuscript in Shakespeare's hand,
two of six surviving authentic Shakespeare signatures and rare editions of his work such as the First Folio
Shakespeare in Ten Acts is the biggest Shakespeare exhibition
that the British Library has ever put on, drawing on one of the world's best Shakespeare collections.