The Public Theater is known for its “Shakespeare in the Park” productions at Central Park’s Delacorte Theater, a hot ticket every summer. But that’s not the only place the Public Theater is presenting Shakespeare outside of its downtown home this season. Right now, its Mobile Unit is performing a new original adaptation of “The Comedy of Errors” in public spaces throughout the city. The classic play, now reborn as a musical, is delivered in both Spanish and English to reach new audiences.
Tonight, the 90-minute show will be performed at A.R.R.O.W. Field House in Astoria, Queens. It comes to Johnny Hartman Plaza in Hamilton Heights on Saturday, and returns to Queens on Sunday afternoon to complete its tour at Corona Plaza. Then it opens at the Public Theater on May 25, running through June 11. All performances are free.
The main idea behind Mobile Unit is to bring theater to the people, rather than the other way around. Productions are designed to happen in parks, community centers and correctional facilities.
“The special thing about Mobile Unit is that it’s free and open to the public, and it’s also accessible,” said Praycious Wilson-Gay, Mobile Unit’s interim director. To reach new communities, the Public Theater partners with shelters, libraries, schools and other grassroots organizations.
“We have no expectation for you all to come to the Public Theater and see our shows,” Wilson-Gay said, “because we come directly to your neighborhood by partnering with these various organizations.”
Keren Lugo portrays Luciana in the Mobile Unit’s new adaptation of “The Comedy of Errors.”
Peter Cooper
A recent performance of “The Comedy of Errors” in Brooklyn’s Von King Park illustrated just how unconventional the Mobile Unit concept is. There’s no behind the scenes, no place where actors can run to change outfits or prep for their next appearance. Transitions usually hidden from the audience are put front and center. Props are minimal, and…
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