The story of two proud men, the city they loved, and the fight for free Shakespeare in the Park.

 

In 1959 Joe Papp, the father of the Public Theater, and Robert Moses, the builder and planner of much of modern New York City, were locked in a tense legal battle regarding William Shakespeare - specifically whether Mr. Papp would be allowed to produce the Bard’s plays for free admission in Central Park. Weaving primary sources with original text, music, and movement, The Battle of Central Park explores the contradictory and captivating relationship of two public figures who shared both immense stubbornness and love of New York City. The ideological zeal of Papp and the dominant structuralist power of Moses are brought to life on the stage in this movement-rich production. Equal parts memory play and historical drama, The Battle of Central Park tells the fascinating story of these two iconic and divisive men through a lens of imagination and wonder.

 

Written by ANDREW MASSEY

Directed by JAMIE WATKINS

Choreographed by ANNALISA LEDSON

 

Featuring:  ZACH FRIEDMAN, EILEEN HANLEY, JON HUGGINS, MICHAEL MCCLAIN, CHRISTINE PARDOS, DARRELL PURCELL Jr., JULIA SCHONBERG, ALEXANDRA PETER & NICK TROTTA.

Stage Manager: DAVID BRUMMER

Set/Costume Design: MICHAEL MINAHAN & PREESA ADELINE BULLINGTON

Music & Sound Design: MARK VAN HARE

Lights: MICHAEL MINAHAN & PREESA ADELINE BULLINGTON

Projections: JAMIE WATKINS & MICHAEL MINAHAN

Assistant Director: ALEXANDRA HANSEN