A History of Free Shakespeare in The Park
OVER 60 YEARS OF FREE. FOR ALL. FOREVER.
THE DELACORTE THEATER
Continuing the work of its visionary founder, Joseph Papp, The Public Theater is dedicated to developing an American theater that is accessible and relevant to all people - including the great works of Shakespeare.
For over 60 years, The Delacorte Theater in Central Park has been a home for Free Shakespeare in the Park, including over 6 million artists, staff, and audience members.
Free Shakespeare in the Park is made possible by the contributions of people like you. Learn more about how you can make a donation and support this New York City tradition.
BRINGING SHAKESPEARE TO THE PEOPLE
Joseph Papp founded the New York Shakespeare Festival (now The Public Theater) in 1954, but it was originally chartered as the Shakespeare Workshop. Sharing excellent Shakespeare has always been at the core of the theater's work.
In 1956, Papp created a mobile theater using a 35-foot trailer pulled by a retrofitted NYC sanitation truck and brought Shakespeare to neighborhood parks, religious institutions, and civic organizations.
During its second season, the sanitation truck broke down on the shores of Belvedere Lake in Central Park.
BRINGING SHAKESPEARE TO THE PEOPLE
Joseph Papp founded the New York Shakespeare Festival (now The Public Theater) in 1954, but it was originally chartered as the Shakespeare Workshop. Sharing excellent Shakespeare has always been at the core of the theater's work.
In 1956, Papp created a mobile theater using a 35-foot trailer pulled by a retrofitted NYC sanitation truck and brought Shakespeare to neighborhood parks, religious institutions, and civic organizations.
During its second season, the sanitation truck broke down on the shores of Belvedere Lake in Central Park.
In 1956, Papp created a mobile theater using a 35-foot trailer pulled by a retrofitted NYC sanitation truck and brought Shakespeare to neighborhood parks, religious institutions, and civic organizations.
During its second season, the sanitation truck broke down on the shores of Belvedere Lake in Central Park.