Inside The $85M Theater Renovation Bringing Free Shakespeare In The Park Back To New York City

Key Concepts:

• Free Shakespeare in the Park
• The Delacorte Theater renovation
• Accessibility and inclusion
• Joe Papp's vision
• Public Theater's mission
• American Vernacular Shakespeare
• Community engagement
• Ticket distribution methods

1. The Significance of Free Shakespeare in the Park

• The program resonates deeply because people sacrifice their time to attend free outdoor performances.
• The energy from the crowds is palpable for the artists, creating a unique atmosphere unlike paid Broadway shows.
• In paid shows, the audience expects to be "proven" that the show is worth the money, whereas at Shakespeare in the Park, everyone is "in it together."
• Quote: "He hath bore me on his back a thousand times, and now how abhored in my imagination it is, by gorge rises at it. Here hung those lips that I have kissed. I know not how oft now." - Example of Shakespearean text performed.

2. Joe Papp and the Founding of the Public Theater

• Joe Papp founded the Public Theater in the mid-1950s.
• He started by taking touring productions of Shakespeare to different boroughs of New York City.
• Papp believed that exposing people to Shakespeare in their own neighborhoods would empower them to see culture as their own.
• The Delacorte Theater was constructed between 1961 and opened in 1962 with George C. Scott starring in The Merchant of Venice.

3. Accessibility and Understanding Shakespeare

• Shakespeare wrote for a diverse audience, including both "plebeians on the ground and the lords and ladies in the balconies."
• The Public Theater creates an "American Shakespeare" that speaks in a contemporary vernacular.
• Directors focus on making the stories accessible and relatable, even if audience members don't understand every word.
• Quote: "Shakespeare is like tofu that you can mix things with it and it sort of absorbs the flavor." - Director's analogy for adapting Shakespeare.
• Performances are grounded in the present moment, with artists responding to the world around them.

4. Notable Alumni and the Delacorte Experience

• Many famous performers started their careers at the Delacorte Theater, including Meryl Streep, George C. Scott, James Earl Jones, and Anne Hathaway.
• Attending a show involves lining up early in Central Park, sometimes as early as 6:00 a.m.
• People bring picnic blankets and often meet new friends while waiting.
• The theater seats 1,800 people, creating a shared experience.
• The setting is romantic, with the sun setting, the moon rising, and Belvedere Castle in the background.

5. The Delacorte Theater Renovation: Motivation and Challenges

• The theater, originally built in the 1960s, required periodic architectural interventions every 15-20 years.
• Previous interventions mainly involved replacing seats, decking, and the cedar facade.
• Robert Moses, the parks commissioner in the early 1960s, wanted to charge for tickets, but Joe Papp fought against it and won in court.
• The renovation aimed to ensure the theater's physical stability for the long term.
• Operating the Delacorte involves a license agreement with the New York City Parks Department.
• Challenges included navigating regulations in Central Park, a highly regulated area.
• Studies were conducted to determine the best approach for the renovation.
• The chosen design respected the original footprint and didn't expand the theater's size within the scenic landmark.

6. Renovation Details: Design and Funding

• The renovation project cost approximately $85 million.
• Funding was secured through a combination of city council, borough president, and private donations.
• The existing structure was kept, but everything else was stripped and replaced.
• The shape of the theater was designed to make it appear as though it rises out of the landscape.
• The new design includes wider seats, aisles, and 34 ADA-accessible spots, which are considered the best seats in the house.
• Previously, accessibility was limited to the front row and a single entrance.
• The renovated theater has improved infrastructure, including life safety, sprinkler, and electrical systems.

7. The Facade and Aesthetic Considerations

• The old facade had a "derelict baseball stadium feel" that didn't match the quality of the performances inside.
• The renovation aimed to elevate the exterior to reflect the artistic excellence within.
• The textured facade and tree-like design create a dynamic presence that complements the park.
• The redwood used for the facade was reclaimed from water towers around New York City.
• The design ensures that the theater "disappears" once you're seated, allowing the show and the Central Park setting to take center stage.

8. Inclusion and Community Engagement

• The renovation signals that culture is for everyone and that the space is welcoming to all.
• The goal is to create a space that is more inclusive for audience members, actors, directors, and stagehands.
• Preserving the open-air experience of the theater within Central Park was a top priority.
• Tickets are distributed in different locations throughout the five boroughs to improve accessibility.
• Distributions also occur at the Public Theater's headquarters in Astor Place.

9. Opening Production: Twelfth Night

• The theater is reopening with a production of Twelfth Night, directed by Saheem Ali.
• The cast includes Lupita Nyong'o, Junior Nyong'o, Sandra Oh, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Peter Dinklage, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson.

10. Synthesis/Conclusion:

The renovation of the Delacorte Theater represents a commitment to preserving a vital cultural institution while enhancing accessibility, inclusivity, and the overall audience experience. By modernizing the infrastructure, improving the aesthetic appeal, and maintaining the tradition of free Shakespeare in the Park, the Public Theater reaffirms its dedication to making culture accessible to all New Yorkers. The project honors Joe Papp's original vision and ensures that the Delacorte Theater will continue to be a beloved landmark for generations to come.