Philadelphia Premiere
Joe Papp In Five Acts

The Gershman Y
Monday, January 28, 2013 / 7:30 PM

Director: Tracie Holder, Karen Thorsen
USA, 2010, 82 minutes

From Hair to A Chorus Line, Joe Papp's Public Theater influenced several revolutions in modern American theater. Born Joseph Papirofsky to Russian immigrant parents, Papp abandoned the blue-collar world of his upbringing for the burgeoning bohemian theater scene of NYC. He founded the Public Theater, dedicated to bringing quality plays to all people. Staging free, outdoor, and sometimes mobile productions of Shakespeare without a permit, Papp was a true pioneer. Best remembered for challenging the likes of Robert Moses, Papp doggedly took on the establishment, determined to defy convention and overturn societal stereotypes. Papp's unique take on Shakespeare and other classic plays also helped to launch the careers of A-list actors including Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, and Christopher Walken. Punctuated by vintage footage of legendary performances, this fascinating doc is a must-see.

Preceded by Not Your Time
Director: Jay Kamen
USA, 2010, 25 minutes

FilmConnects: Prior to the screening of Joe Papp in Five Acts, The Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre will be performing two of Shylock's monologues from Shakespeare's classic The Merchant of Venice, as featured in the film.

Guest speakers: Directors Tracie Holder and Karen Thorsen

Sponsored by Doris Casper and Bolden Lipkin PC

THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS.

Pig Iron Theatre Company

Fall Film Festival sponsored by SEED THE DREAM FOUNDATION, Marcy Gringlas & Joel Greenberg