Joe Papp

Joe Papp was an American cultural icon - the son of Jewish immigrants, he became a self-made impresario, an ardent advocate for human rights and a controversial innovator who was one of the most influential figures in American theater. Known for his accomplishments as the founder of the New York Shakespeare Festival, Papp brought free Shakespeare in the Park to New York City, created the nation's most important showcase for new playwrights at the Public Theater and launched such Broadway hits as A Chorus Line and Hair. A defender of the First Amendment and champion of multiculturalism long…