Photo Flash: The Public Theater Celebrates Joseph Papp Way Unveiling at Astor Place

In honor of Joseph Papp's extraordinary contributions to the City of New York and the East Village, the intersection of Lafayette Street and Astor Place has been co-named Joseph Papp Way. A ceremony celebrating this distinguished honor took place this morning, December 1st, at the Astor Place Plaza. BroadwayWorld has photos below!

The ceremony included remarks by Oskar Eustis, Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs Tom Finkelpearl, District 2 City Councilwoman Rosie Mendez, and Public Theater Board Member Gail Papp, who unveiled the commemorative sign.

The proposal to co-name the street was approved by Community Board 2 and the City Council. The application was brought forward by Alexandra Shiva with the support of Gail Papp as well as residents and organizations from the neighborhood.

The Public Theater was founded in 1954 (then known as the New York Shakespeare Festival) but its permanent home in the East Village at 425 Lafayette Street opened its doors for the first time in October 1967 with the groundbreaking new musical HAIR.

In addition to founding the New York Shakespeare Festival and saving the landmark building (the former Astor Library) from planned demolition, Joe Papp also lived in the East Village and was an outstanding member of the community until his death in 1991.

Photo Credit: Simon Luethi

Gail Papp, Rose MaryA. Harris, Public Theater Artistic Director Oskar Eustis, Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Tom Finkelpearl, and Public Theater Executive Director Patrick Willingham with Public Theater friends and family outside of The Public Theater at the Joseph Papp Way Street Co-Naming ceremony on Friday, December 1.

Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Tom Finkelpearl, Public Theater Artistic Director Oskar Eustis; Public Theater Board Member Gail Papp, Public Theater Executive Director Patrick Willingham, District 2 City Councilwoman Rosie Mendez, and Public Theater Board Member Alexandra Shiva at the Joseph Papp Way Street co-naming ceremony on Friday, December 1.