Research Catalog

Details

Additional authors

1. Bragg, Melvyn, 1939-
2. Papp, Joseph
3. London Weekend Television (Firm)
4. ITV (Firm)

Description

1. 1 videodisc (DVD) (30 min.) : sd., col. and b&w; 4 3/4 in.

Summary

1. A profile of theatrical producer Joseph Papp for the London based arts program, the South Bank show aired ITV network. The presenter is Melvyn Bragg. The segment, which is filmed in New York City, features Papp being interviewed at various locations in the city relevant to his career and the development of the New York Shakespeare Festival, and includes archival footage and still photos of Papp and his productions. Discussion includes Papp's childhood in Williamsburg, Brooklyn; his first encounter with Shakespeare's works in junior high school; the founding of his Shakespearean workshop at the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church on New York's Lower East Side; directing his first play and his motivation to start a Shakespearean theatrical company; interpreting Shakespeare for American audiences with American actors; and the social and political motivations of his work.
2. Papp speaks about his first shows at the East River amphitheater; his production of Shakespeare plays in the city's parks during the 1950s and construction of the Delacorte Theater in Central Park; his administrative and fundraising skills and his belief that admission to the outdoor plays should be free; the subsidization of the theater; theater's importance to the educational life of the city; his interest in producing contemporary plays; the acquisition of the former Astor Library on Lafayette Street as the Public Theater; the opening of the new theater with the rock musical, Hair; the development of Hair and the musical A chorus line at the Public Theater; his revival of the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta The pirates of Penzance; the state of the American theater currently (during the 1980s) in contrast to the 1960s and 70s; and his ongoing concern with addressing contemporary issues via the plays he produces.

Donor/Sponsor

1. Gift of the Joseph Papp Public Theater/New York Shakespeare Festival.

Series statement

1. Joseph Papp Public Theater/New York Shakespeare Festival Moving Image Collection
2. South Bank show

Uniform title

1. The South Bank show (Television program)

Alternative title

1. Joseph Papp on the South Bank show

Subject

1. Sullivan, Arthur, 1842-1900 > Pirates of Penzance
2. Television
3. Papp, Joseph > Interviews
4. Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616 > Appreciation
5. Interviews
6. Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616 > Criticism and interpretation > History > 20th century
7. Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616 > Language
8. Hamlisch, Marvin > Chorus line
9. Theatrical producers and directors > Interviews
10. MacDermot, Galt > Hair
11. Theater > New York (State) > New York
12. New York Shakespeare Festival Public Theater

Genre/Form

1. Interviews.
2. Television.

Call number

1. NCOX 5256

Note

1. No credits on tape. Tape contains only the first half of the program featuring segment with Joseph Papp.

Performer (note)

1. Host: Melvyn Bragg.

Event (note)

1. First broadcast in the U.K. over the ITV network on May 9, 1982.

Title

1. The South Bank show. Joseph Papp [videorecording] / A London Weekend Television program for ITV.

Imprint

1. U.K. : ITV, 1982.

Series

1. Joseph Papp Public Theater/New York Shakespeare Festival Moving Image Collection
2. South Bank show

Performer

1. Host: Melvyn Bragg.

Event

1. First broadcast in the U.K. over the ITV network on May 9, 1982.

Added author

1. Bragg, Melvyn, 1939- producer.
2. Bragg, Melvyn, 1939- interviewer.
3. Papp, Joseph, interviewee.
4. London Weekend Television (Firm)
5. ITV (Firm)

Added title

1. The South Bank show (Television program)

Research call number

1. NCOX 5256