Central Park

This summer kicks off with a powerhouse production of one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies. The Public welcomes Academy Award Nominee Anne Hathaway as she makes her Public Theater debut playing Viola, one of the canon’s most charming heroines. This beguiling comedy follows the romantic adventures of Viola and her identical twin Sebastian, both shipwrecked in the enchanted dukedom of Illyria. At the helm of this time-honored story of cross-dressing and mistaken identity, all in the name of love, is Tony Award-winning director Daniel Sullivan.

For over 50 years, The Public has been proud to bring free performances to over 100,000 people each summer at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. This long-standing tradition has joined esteemed artists with audiences from all over the world to celebrate Shakespeare and other classic works. Free tickets are available both in person and online to the general public. Tickets start being distributed at 1 p.m. on the day of the performance--get there early to get one!