The Tempest at Delacorte Theater from 06 - 08 Sep 2013

The Public Theater has announced their new initiative for community-based theater, PUBLIC WORKS. In its inaugural year, PUBLIC WORKS will present a free, original musical adaptation of The Tempest at the Delacorte Theater, inspired by a 1916 community theatrical event of Caliban by the Yellow Sands at the stadium at City College in New York.

The Tempest: Marooned and left to die on a remote island, Prospero can command spirits, create apparitions and manipulate the elements. By using his magic, he assembles his enemies to take revenge on them, and in the process awakens in Miranda, his teenage daughter, her first experience of love.

Conceived and directed by Public Works Director Lear deBessonet, The Tempest will showcase 200 New Yorkers from all five boroughs who will share the stage with professional actors and community partners for this three-night civic event, from 06 - 08 Sep 2013.

The Tempest will be free, continuing The Public Theater's long-standing tradition of free Shakespeare in the Park and community engagement.

The Public Theater's Artistic Director Oskar Eustis said,

Theater isn't a commodity, it's an experience. Public Works aims to reclaim that territory by making participation central to the theatrical event. This is one of the most exciting initiatives The Public has ever embarked upon.

For The Tempest , participants from these community groups will be cast in lead and ensemble roles; learn a dance that they will perform at the Delacorte; and sing a song written specifically for them by composer Todd Almond for the Shakespeare production.

Public Works Director Lear deBessonet said,

Public Works is an opportunity to celebrate the vibrancy of New York City. In this first year we've joined with five organizations that embody some of the most innovative approaches to community building. Together we are shaping a vision of how theater can transform a community and enrich the civic life of our city.