Joe Papp: An American Life

Joseph Papp (June 22, 1921 – October 31, 1991) was an American theatrical producer and director. He was the founder and artistic director of the New York Shakespeare Festival, which later became known as the Public Theater.

Joe Papp: An American Life

by Helen Epstein

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3972 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	592 pages
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Papp was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Jewish immigrants from Poland. He attended New Utrecht High School and City College of New York, where he studied English and drama.

After graduating from college, Papp served in the United States Army during World War II. He was stationed in the Pacific Theater and participated in the Battle of Guadalcanal.

After the war, Papp returned to New York City and began working in the theater. He co-founded the American Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, Connecticut, in 1955.

In 1957, Papp founded the New York Shakespeare Festival. The festival's first production was Julius Caesar, which was performed in Central Park.

The New York Shakespeare Festival quickly became one of the most successful theater companies in the United States. Papp was known for his innovative productions and his commitment to making theater accessible to all audiences.

In 1967, Papp opened the Public Theater in the Astor Place neighborhood of Manhattan. The Public Theater was a non-profit theater company that produced a wide range of productions, including plays, musicals, and dance performances.

Papp was a prolific producer and director. He produced over 500 plays and musicals during his career. He also directed over 100 productions, including many of Shakespeare's plays.

Papp was a recipient of numerous awards, including the Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theater and the Kennedy Center Honors.

Papp died of lung cancer in 1991. He was 70 years old.

Legacy

Joe Papp was a major force in American theater. He was a pioneer in the use of non-traditional theater spaces, and he helped to make theater accessible to all audiences.

Papp's legacy lives on through the Public Theater, which continues to produce a wide range of productions that reflect the diversity of New York City.

Timeline

• 1921: Joe Papp is born in Brooklyn, New York.
• 1942: Papp graduates from New Utrecht High School.
• 1943: Papp attends City College of New York.
• 1944: Papp serves in the United States Army during World War II.
• 1955: Papp co-founds the American Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, Connecticut.
• 1957: Papp founds the New York Shakespeare Festival.
• 1967: Papp opens the Public Theater in the Astor Place neighborhood of Manhattan.
• 1991: Papp dies of lung cancer.

Images

Further Reading

• The Public Theater
• Joe Papp on Broadway
• Joseph Papp, Theatrical Force, Dies at 70

Joe Papp: An American Life

by Helen Epstein

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3972 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	592 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE