Papp turned a dilapidated building into The Public Theater
Clip: 6/3/2022 | 2m 14sVideo has Closed Captions
Joe Papp saved a historic building from demolition, which evolved into The Public Theater.
In his search for a home for new American theater, producer Joseph Papp saved a historic building in "ruins" from demolition. It was once the Astor Library, which became the first free public library in New York, and had been converted into a place for homeless Jewish people after World War II. In the 1960s, the building would evolve into a permanent space for The Public Theater.
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Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo...
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Papp turned a dilapidated building into The Public Theater
Clip: 6/3/2022 | 2m 14sVideo has Closed Captions
In his search for a home for new American theater, producer Joseph Papp saved a historic building in "ruins" from demolition. It was once the Astor Library, which became the first free public library in New York, and had been converted into a place for homeless Jewish people after World War II. In the 1960s, the building would evolve into a permanent space for The Public Theater.
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Preview: 6/3/2022 | 1m 42s | Papp, founder of Free Shakespeare in the Park, believed great art is for all. (1m 42s)
The origins of Shakespeare in the Park
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Clip: 6/3/2022 | 2m 25s | Papp built a stage on a 35 foot truck so he could bring Shakespeare to other communities. (2m 25s)
Representation in theater was important to Joe Papp
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Clip: 6/3/2022 | 3m 19s | When developing Free Shakespeare in the Park, Joe Papp wanted people to feel represented. (3m 19s)
When Joe Papp asked Meryl Streep to take over the theater
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Clip: 6/3/2022 | 1m 41s | Meryl Streep was touched, but perplexed when Papp asked her to run the theater. (1m 41s)
Why Joe Papp thinks the theater should be free for all of us
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Clip: 6/3/2022 | 1m 3s | Joe Papp made it his mission to have theater be accessible to the public. (1m 3s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship
Support for PBS provided by:
Support for American Masters is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, AARP, Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Judith and Burton Resnick, Blanche and Hayward Cirker Charitable Lead Annuity Trust, Koo...