HARMONY IN COLLABORATION: THE FUSION OF ARCHIVES, DRAMA AND ART IN FOLIO 400 by Mary Jo Doherty
I n the heart of the creative realm of the College, where drama, art and literature converge, Folio 400 emerged as an exciting project that not only celebrat- ed the power of collaboration but also paid homage to Shakespeare’s enduring legacy and the timeless influ- ence of the printed word. On Tuesday 7 November in the James Caird Hall, actors, artists and literary enthusiasts came together with a shared purpose: to explore the intricate rela- tionship between drama and visual art, inspired by the timeless works of William Shakespeare and the Folio 400. The project paid homage to Shakespeare’s First Folio, a compilation of his plays published in 1623, of which the College owns one of the 235 remaining copies. In an age where digital media dominates, Folio 400 celebrated the tactile pleasure of flipping through pages, connecting with the text on a visceral level and appreciating the craftsmanship of printed material. It resulted in a range of 13 personal outcomes from our cohort of Year 12 artists: hanging scrolls, deconstruct- ed printed text, exploding words and billowing scripts showcased the interplay of creativity and innovation. It underscored the idea that when diverse talents con- verge, magic happens. As Folio 400 came to life through the artwork and drama performances, it reminded us that the legacy of Shakespeare, the power of the printed word and the magic of collaboration are timeless treasures that con- tinue to inspire, educate and enchant generations. ◉ Artwork by Alexander De Almeida [1, 2], Luca Elborn [3, 8], Henry Ognev [4, 9], Seth Davidson Petch [5, 7], and Freddie Michalowski-Howells [6, 7] (all Year 12)
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