Free Shakespeare in the Park 2022

The Public Theater is celebrating 60 years — and more than 150 productions — of Free Shakespeare in the Park at The Delacorte Theater in Central Park for this special summer.

The beloved summer tradition returns with the intriguing political drama RICHARD III, directed by Tony nominee Robert O’Hara and featuring Danai Gurira in the title role.

Adapted by Shaina Taub and Laurie Woolery, Public Works’ joyful, community enriched, musical adaptation of AS YOU LIKE IT returns this summer. This heartwarming musical will close out our celebratory season, and features music and lyrics by Shaina Taub, choreography by Sonya Tayeh, and direction by Laurie Woolery.

RICHARD III
Directed by Robert O’Hara
Featuring Danai Gurira in the Title Role

June 21st – July 17th

Tony Award nominee Robert O’Hara (Slave Play, The Public’s Barbecue) brings his sharp wit and story-telling genius to The Delacorte with a bold new production of RICHARD III. One of Shakespeare’s most indelible villains, Richard is determined to be King. Following his lust for power and the throne, he manipulates, kidnaps, and kills all who stand between him and his throne, using brilliant words and dark charm to conceal his dismantling of government and justice. This masterful dive into the muddy middle between political genius and violent power grab will open Free Shakespeare in the Park’s 60th Season with piercing relevancy and electrifying drama.

AS YOU LIKE IT
Adapted by Shaina Taub & Laurie Woolery
Music & Lyrics by Shaina Taub
Original Choreography by Sonya Tayeh
Directed by Laurie Woolery

August 10th – September 11th

To complete this anniversary season, Public Works’ acclaimed musical production of AS YOU LIKE IT returns to Central Park, bringing together its diverse ensemble of both professional actors and community members from across New York. Adapted by Shaina Taub and Director of Public Works Laurie Woolery, featuring music and lyrics by Taub, this ambitious work of participatory theater has been hailed as “thrilling & terrifically vital” by The New York Times. Forced from their homes, Orlando, Duke Senior, his daughter Rosalind, and niece Celia are banished to the Forest of Arden. There, they discover a community of acceptance and transformational love, where all are welcomed and embraced. Laurie Woolery directs this magical adaptation of a beloved classic. Join for Free Shakespeare in the Park’s 60th birthday party, celebrating six decades of free Shakespeare for all New Yorkers, and toasting the many decades to come!

Obtain free tickets through in-person distributions or TodayTix, the official digital lottery provider for Free Shakespeare in the Park:
In-person distribution in Central Park
In-person lottery at The Public Theater
In-person distribution in the boroughs
Digital lottery with TodayTix
In-person standby line in Central Park