Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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In 1979, theater producer Joseph Papp spoke with Beverly Sills to explain his radical idea that launched the New York Shakespeare Festival and Shakespeare in the Park. Papp reveals why he rejected "elitist theater" to treat art as a vital public service for all New Yorkers. THIRTEEN highlights clips of Meryl Streep and Raúl Juliá to capture the founding spirit of a New York tradition that is happening right now in Central Park—be sure to check The Public Theater's website for the latest schedule!

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