Skip to main content
Back to Show
American Masters

The origins of Shakespeare in the Park

Joe Papp built a stage on a 35 foot portable truck so he could bring Shakespeare to other communities. "I found myself directing all the plays on the mobile unit, because I felt this was the thing I wanted to be closely identified with, to bring Shakespeare to these communities," said Papp. When the truck fell apart in Central Park, Shakespeare in the Park found its permanent home.

Support Provided By
Season
Keith Haring: Street Art Boy
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:28
Explore the life of artist Keith Haring who revolutionized pop culture and fine art.
N. Scott Momaday: Words From a Bear
1:23:25
Delve into the enigmatic life of Pulitzer Prize-winning author and poet N. Scott Momaday
Robert Shaw – Man of Many Voices
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:11
Trace the journey of one of America’s greatest choral music conductors.
This Is Bob Hope...
1:52:53
Explore the entertainer’s life with unprecedented access to his archives. Director's cut.
Edgar Allan Poe: Buried Alive
1:24:03
See a new side of innovative writer Edgar Allan Poe, best known for Gothic horror tales.
Jacques Pépin: The Art of Craft
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:37
Today he is known as a kitchen supernova, but Jacques Pépin's career began humbly.
Loretta Lynn: Still a Mountain Girl
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:53:14
"The Queen of Country Music” is still going strong after more than 50 years of music.
Harper Lee
1:23:12
Explore the mysterious life of Harper Lee, the author of To Kill a Mockingbird
American Masters Season 29
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:23:10
Ric Burns’ documentary on the rich, 75-year history of the preeminent ballet company.
I.M. Pei: Building China Modern
53:20
Explore the creative genius of I.M. Pei as he reshapes the future of architecture in China
Louisa May Alcott: The Woman Behind 'Little Women'
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:23:09
The first film biography about the celebrated author, Louis May Alcott.
José Clemente Orozco: Man of Fire
55:23
Mexican muralist José Clemente Orozco led a life filled with drama, adversity & triumph.
Active loading indicator