Gail Kern Paster Honored At 2011 Folger Gala!

NORTHWEST -- Patrons and fans of the Folger Shakespeare Library gathered at the library’s Capitol Hill location Wednesday evening for the annual 2011 Folger Gala. This year’s celebration paid tribute to Gail Kern Paster, the Library’s Director, who will be retiring at the end of June. For years Dr. Paster oversaw Folger, home not only to the world’s largest collection of Shakespeare materials but also serving as a world-renowned research center on Shakespeare, offering public programs to families, students and teachers alike.

Folger Shakespeare Library Director Gail Kern Paster and Gala Chair Howard Paster.
The sold-out event packed the Library’s majestic Great Hall with thespians and politicians alike. Seen mingling amongst the crowd were the Gala’s Honorary Co-chairs British Ambassador Sir Nigel Sheinwald and his wife, Lady Sheinwald, who politely posed for a nervous photographer’s eager photos.

Also spotted accompanied by his wife, Janet Waxman, was Congressman Henry Waxman (D-CA), an honorary committee member. The Waxmans chatted amicably with honoree Mrs. Paster and her husband (and Gala Chair) Howard Paster. In the program’s welcoming address Dr. Paster thanked her husband: “Words alone cannot serve to thank him for his dedication to this event and his devotion to the Folger throughout my time as director.”

Congressman Henry Waxman and Janet Waxman.
As they waited for their drinks during the reception, guests snacked on scrumptious rosemary roasted pecans and crispy Italian breadsticks, tastefully placed in glass canisters around the bars. The libation of choice was very clearly the evening’s specialty cocktail, a Gin Sage Smash, concocted just for the occasion.

Guests were soon after led into the Library’s grand Elizabethan Theater, where they were treated to a performance of “The Humors of Comedy” or “So That’s the Way She Likes It” directed by Helen-Hayes nominated director and actress Catherine Flye.

Performers entertained guests with a brief skit. Note the queen's mask is the face of outgoing Folger Shakespeare Library Director Gail Kern Paster. (© James R. Brantley)
Following the performance, the Library’s opulent Reading Rooms were opened up to reveal festively decorated tables overflowing with roses and candles, catered by Occasions. While the scent of roses wafted through the room, guests feasted on a lavish three-course meal with a first course of Pressed Melon Carpaccio with Salmon and Avocado Tartare, later leading into an equally delicious entrée of Springfield Farm Lamb Loin Persille with a Fava Bean Mash, Hasselback Potatoes, and Spring Vegetables with Tarragon-Champagne Beurre Compose. Lastly, a decadent dessert of Pave of Bittersweet Chocolate and Apricot with Apricot Yogurt Ice Cream was presented, topping off the pleasant, culture-filled eve with a sweet aftertaste.

The Bard never had it so good!