Joe Papp was the founder of The Public Theater and Free Shakespeare in the Park in New York City. He was also the producer of groundbreaking plays like Hair, A Chorus Line and For Colored Girls. Papp created a “theater of inclusion” based on the belief that great art is for everyone.

In these three videos from AMERICAN MASTERS: JOE PAPP IN FIVE ACTS students will see Papp’s vision in action, Papp’s legal struggle against a mogul who wanted to shut down the free performances, as well as Papp’s refusal of federal funding when he wouldn’t sign a controversial censorship clause. All three videos invite students to consider the role of art in public life.