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Joseph Papp Way Officially a Part of the City

The intersection of Lafayette and Astor Place was officially named Joseph Papp Way in a ceremony held today.

Jason Zednick
New York City
Joseph Papp Way was officially named in a ceremony held today.
Joseph Papp Way was officially named in a ceremony held today.
(photo provided by the Public Theater)

The intersection of Lafayette Street and Astor Place, near the longtime home of the Public Theater, has been co-named in honor of the Public's founder, Joseph Papp, in a ceremony held earlier today.

The ceremony included remarks by Public Theater artistic director Oskar Eustis, Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs Tom Finkelpearl, District 2 City Councilwoman Rosie Mendez, and Public Theater board member Gail Papp, who unveiled the commemorative sign.

The corner of Lafayette and Astor Place is now Joseph Papp Way.
The corner of Lafayette and Astor Place is now Joseph Papp Way.
(photo provided by the Public Theater)

The Public Theater was founded in 1954 (then known as the New York Shakespeare Festival), but its permanent home at 425 Lafayette Street opened its doors for the first time in October 1967 with the groundbreaking musical Hair. In addition to founding the New York Shakespeare Festival and saving the landmark building (the former Astor Library) from planned demolition, Joe Papp also lived in the East Village and was an outstanding member of the community until his death in 1991.