Joe Papp built a truly unique organization: The Public Theater. There was nothing like The Public up to that point, and nothing like it since. Joe created the beloved tradition of free Shakespeare in Central Park; he helped launch the careers of talents such as James Earl Jones, Raul Julia, Kevin Kline, Martin Sheen, Meryl Streep, Denzel Washington, and Jeffrey Wright to mention a few. Joe produced landmark new plays and musicals such as HAIR, A CHORUS LINE, THAT CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON and FOR COLORED GIRLS—innovative works that spoke to this time, and all time. He was one of the fi rst to produce the plays of young and diverse voices such as Larry Kramer, Miguel Piñero, David Rabe, Ntozake Shange, Wallace Shawn, and Tony Kushner and— as a result—The Public’s impact on the landscape of American theater remains unrivalled to this day.


DEAR


The Public remains driven to build upon and expand Joe’s mission. Our vision is to maintain an artist driven institution that provides the freedom for creative exploration and preserve our capability to produce high-quality, non-commercial new works that refl ects contemporary society. When The Public fi res on all cylinders we offer programming 52 weeks a year including Joe’s Pub, mainstage shows, Shakespeare in the Park productions, the Public LAB, festivals, workshops, readings and other special performances.


But The Public is more than a producer of theater. We also train the next generation of classical performers. We provide free Shakespeare education programs for public school students throughout New York City’s boroughs. We dedicate signifi cant resources to provide opportunity for writers at every stage of their careers. We foster a web of supportive artistic relationships across generations of writers that will infl uence the future of contemporary American theater. And, most importantly, The Public embraces the belief that art should be available to everyone and we are proud to give away more free tickets than any other theater in the country—over 100,000 each season.


However, none of this would be possible without our historic headquarters on 425 Lafayette Street, and now we need your help to ensure the ongoing success of the organization for years to come. As we embark upon the next 50 years of excellence, we are launching the GOING PUBLIC Campaign to raise $35 million to complete much-needed mechanical and infrastructure upgrades, expand our facilities, upgrade amenities (yes—more restrooms!), overhaul mechanical systems and address the public spaces of The Public Theater. Over the past few years we have added additional offi ce space and repaired the roof, but now we need to plan for the future to serve not only artists, but you—our audience.


Many of our friends have stepped forward to play important roles in our GOING PUBLIC Campaign. While it is impossible to thank everyone here, we would like to acknowledge the monumental support of the City of New York, Board Chair Warren Spector whose leadership has proven invaluable during a challenging time, The Kresge Foundation, Arielle Tepper and The Philip and Janice Levin Foundation, our long-time champions—the LuEsther T. Mertz Charitable Trust, and the Shiva family. We would also like to thank our Board of Trustees, the Building Campaign Committee, and Capital Project Committee whose advice and tireless passion has made the impossible possible.


Please join our GOING PUBLIC Campaign and help us strengthen The Public to create a vibrant cultural home that serves our neighborhood, community, the City of New York and the future of American theater.


PUBLIC FRIENDS AND FAMILY,


“Joe had an innate talent for making the impossible- possible. He gave his blood, sweat and tears to transform The Astor Library into a permanent home for The New York Shakespeare Festival, and today this building—and The Public— remain at the very heart and soul of American


theater.” —Gail Merrifi eld Papp


Oskar Eustis ARTISTIC DIRECTOR


THE PUBLIC THEATER 2


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