Get ready for a thrilling summer of Shakespeare in the heart of New York City! The Public Theater's Free Shakespeare in the Park series is back with a bang in 2026, and it's set to be a season of bold, innovative productions that will leave you wanting more.
But here's where it gets controversial... or at least, a little unexpected. The renowned Delacorte Theater in Central Park will be hosting not one, but two iconic Shakespeare plays: Romeo and Juliet, directed by the talented Saheem Ali, and The Winter's Tale, under the helm of Tony winner Daniel Sullivan. These productions promise to offer fresh perspectives on these timeless classics.
And this is the part most people miss: The Public Theater isn't just about putting on great shows. They're about creating a cultural movement, a declaration of interdependence, and a reminder that art belongs to everyone. With over 80,000 New Yorkers attending last summer's events, it's clear that this initiative is making a significant impact on the city's cultural landscape.
Saheem Ali, known for his work on Fat Ham and Buena Vista Social Club, will bring his unique vision to Romeo and Juliet, having already impressed audiences with his direction of Twelfth Night last summer. Meanwhile, Daniel Sullivan, who has previously directed The Merry Wives of Windsor and A Midsummer Night's Dream for Shakespeare in the Park, will tackle The Winter's Tale.
But wait, there's more! The Public Works series, which brings community members and professional actors together on stage, will also return to the Delacorte in 2026. And if that's not enough, The Public's Mobile Unit will be touring As You Like It across all five NYC boroughs, directed by Emma Rosa Went. Public Forum will also join the mix, hosting thought-provoking discussions and debates with artists and thinkers.
"We see a city hungry for connection," says Civic Artistic Programs Director Pablo Hernandez Basulto. "Our aim is to create spaces that foster a sense of interdependence among New Yorkers. The Mobile Unit tour of As You Like It will bring the Forest of Arden to every corner of the city, from correctional facilities to neighborhood parks. And with Public Works, we'll create an original production that celebrates the diversity and unity of New York."
