The Public Theater

The Public Theater

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Known for fearless new work and big cultural moments, this downtown landmark launches shows that often go on to shape theater across the country. You will see bold voices, fresh stories, and productions that take real creative risks. It is where the next breakout hit often starts.
Poster of Girl, Interrupted in New York.

Girl, Interrupted

from $129

A young woman in the late 1960s is checked into a psychiatric hospital and starts to question what “normal” really means as she builds intense friendships on the ward. Based on Susanna Kaysen’s memoir, the story feels raw and personal. Music and movement are woven through the show as it explores mental health and identity.

Poster of Henry VI: A Trilogy in Two Parts in New York.

Henry VI: A Trilogy in Two Parts

from $87

This ambitious staging turns Shakespeare’s sprawling history into a two-part cinematic event that feels more like a gritty political thriller than a dry classroom assignment. It’s a fast-paced dive into the life of England’s youngest king that prioritizes clear, modern storytelling over the usual academic stiffness of the Bard.

Poster of Henry VI: A Trilogy in Two Parts in New York.

Henry VI: A Trilogy in Two Parts - Joseph Papp Free First Performance Lottery

NAATCO returns to The Public with Shakespeare's history cycle condensed into two evenings of rep, tracking England's collapse from foreign wars to the War of the Roses. The Joseph Papp lottery opens the first preview to anyone willing to roll the dice, free of charge, in the spirit of the Public's founder who believed great theater belongs to everyone. Enter the digital lottery for a shot at no-cost seats on June 9.

Poster of Henry VI: A Trilogy in Two Parts in New York.

Henry VI: A Trilogy in Two Parts - Joseph Papp Free First Performance Accessible Lottery

The accessible companion to the Joseph Papp lottery, holding back free June 9 seats for patrons who need accessible seating, sign language interpretation, audio description, or open captioning. Same NAATCO production of Shakespeare's Henry VI trilogy in two parts, same free first preview, separate lottery pool so the night opens to the widest possible audience.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is The Public Theater located?

The Public Theater is located at 425 Lafayette Street in Manhattan's East Village. The downtown landmark opened in its current home, the former Astor Library, in 1967.

What famous Broadway shows started at The Public Theater?

Productions that began at The Public Theater and transferred to Broadway include Hair, A Chorus Line, Hamilton, Fun Home, and Sweat. Several have won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, making The Public a leading source of new American theater.

Who founded The Public Theater?

The Public Theater was founded by producer Joseph Papp in 1954 as the New York Shakespeare Festival. The organization moved to its permanent home at 425 Lafayette Street in 1967 and was renamed The Public Theater.

What's the difference between The Public Theater and Shakespeare in the Park?

The Public Theater operates two venues: its main Lafayette Street facility and the outdoor Delacorte Theater in Central Park, where it produces the annual Free Shakespeare in the Park festival each summer. Both share the same nonprofit parent organization.

How do I get tickets to The Public Theater?

You can book tickets to The Public Theater productions through TodayTix. Recent shows include Girl, Interrupted and Henry VI: A Trilogy in Two Parts, both staged at the Public's main Lafayette Street location.

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