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Public Theater

Address:
425 Lafayette Street (between Astor Place & 4th St)
New York, NY 10003

BUILT: 1967
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Public Theater History

The Public Theater is a New York City arts organization. It was originally called the Shakespeare Workshop in 1954 when founded by Joseph Papp, with the intention of showcasing the works of up-and-coming playwrights and performers. The building holds five theater spaces (LuEsther, Martinson, Shiva, Newman, Anspacher) and Joe's Pub, a cabaret-style venue used for new work, musical performances, spoken-word artists, and soloists. The Public also operates the Delacorte Theater in Central Park, where it presents Shakespeare in the Park, one of New York City's most beloved summer traditions.

Shows at the Public Theater

DATES PRODUCTION
12/31/2025 - The Seat of Our Pants (2025)
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12/31/2025 - Goddess (2025)
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5/12/2022 - 6/12/2022 Fat Ham (2022)
2/23/2022 - 3/27/2022 The Chinese Lady (2022)
10/8/2019 - 12/15/2019 for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf (2019)
6/19/2018 - 8/5/2018 Fire in Dreamland (2018)
3/20/2018 - 5/6/2018 Miss You Like Hell (2018)
9/29/2015 - 11/29/2015 Eclipsed (2015)
4/2/2013 - 7/28/2013 Here Lies Love (2013)
11/6/2012 - 12/2/2012 Sorry (2012)
3/14/2012 - 5/13/2012 Gatz (2012)
2/24/2012 - 3/18/2012 The Total Bent (2012)
11/29/2011 - 12/18/2011 Titus Andronicus (2011)
10/19/2010 - 11/21/2010 In The Wake (2010)
2/6/2006 - 2/6/2006 Bounce (2006)
2/1/2004 - The Visit (2004) [Cancelled]
8/4/1981 - 8/9/1981 The Laundry Hour (1981)
- First Daughter Suite (2015)
- Awake and Sing! (2015)


Public Theater Frequently Asked Questions

What show is currently in Public Theater?
Public Theater's current show is Fat Ham which began performances on 5/12/2022.

What when was Public Theater built?
Public Theater was built in 1967.

What were the longest running shows at Public Theater?
Here Lies Love which ran from 4/2/2013 to 7/28/2013, Gatz which ran from 3/14/2012 to 5/13/2012, for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf which ran from 10/22/2019 to 12/15/2019, Eclipsed which ran from 10/14/2015 to 11/29/2015 and


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