'Hair' To Host "Be-In" in Central Park at National Day of Peace 9/21

Cast members from The Public Theater’s acclaimed revival of HAIR: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical will gather in Central Park on the International Day of Peace on Sunday, September 21 for a “Be-In” celebrating peace and love. The “Be-In” is free and the public is invited to Frisbee Hill to share flowers, stories, food and music in commemoration of the global holiday honoring peace and unity.

The “Be-In” will take place from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Frisbee Hill, located just north of the Sheep Meadow Café. The nearest park entrance is at 69th St. and Central Park West.  At the climax of Act 1 of HAIR, the characters attend a “Be-In” in Central Park where they burn their draft cards and unite against war and global violence.

“When we first heard about the International Day of Peace, we knew it would be a great opportunity to further spread the message of peace and harmony that we’ve been advocating in HAIR,” said HAIR cast member Andrew Kober. “The ‘Be-In’ is a chance to gather in the park as a community and spend some time together on love and unity.”

The United Nations' International Day of Peace is a global holiday where individuals, communities, nations and governments highlight efforts to end conflict and promote peace. In the 1960s, a “Be-In” was a peaceful gathering of anti-war protesters. One of the most historically significant “Be-Ins” was held in April 1968 in Central Park’s Sheep Meadow. It drew more than 10,000 people who celebrated life and love with chants, fellowship, and singing.

Directed by Diane Paulus, with book and lyrics by James Rado and Gerome Ragni and music by Galt MacDermot, HAIR began previews on July 22 at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park and played to sold-out houses through the final performance on September 14.  HAIR will transfer to Broadway later this season.

Photo Credit Michel Daniel