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HARD as it is to believe, legendary producer Joseph Papp founded the New York Shakespeare Festival half a century ago - an anniversary the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center is marking with a major exhibition.
"A Community of Artists: 50 Years at the Public Theater" uses selections from Papp's personal papers and the organization's archival records from 1954 to 1992, part of the library's Billy Rose Theater Collection, to celebrate the legacy of one of America's most important theatrical institutions.
The Public's wide-ranging artistic, political and social impact is well-illustrated by the exhibition, which uses posters, documents, original scripts, photographs and more to spotlight such legendary productions as "Hair," "A Chorus Line," "The Normal Heart," "Streamers" and "Bring in 'Da Noise, Bring in 'Da Funk."
There's a particular emphasis on the festival's dedication to its titular inspiration, especially the free Shakespeare in the Park productions that began running at the Delacorte in 1962. Along with papers and letters documenting Parks Commissioner Robert Moses' vehement objections to Papp's visionary plan are set models designed by Ming Cho Lee for productions staged in the park from 1964 to 1971, as well as the set model for the "As You Like It" that ran last month.
Fascinating documents abound, including the original blueprints for the transformation of the Astor Library on Lafayette Street, Edward Kleban's handwritten revisions to lyrics from "A Chorus Line" and a poem written by the late playwright Miguel Piñero in tribute to his producer.
There's also a wealth of original costumes, from Irene Worth's elegant dress for "A Cherry Orchard" to the dashing overcoat worn by Raul Julia in the famous production of "The Threepenny Opera."
An hour-long selection of video clips run continuously in a small viewing area. Highlights include Raul Julia and Meryl Streep's romantic sparring in the park production of "The Taming of the Shrew" and the curtain call for the historic, record-breaking performance of "A Chorus Line" on Broadway.
For those with an appreciation of theatrical history, this is something not to be missed - and it's free. The exhibition runs through Oct. 15.
For more information, call (212) 870-1630 or log onto nypl.org/research/lpa.
Copyright 2004 NYP Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
