The Public Theater Hosts Free Discussion with Artist Ben Rubin and Designer Paula Scher, 10/10 & 21

The Public Theater's $40 million revitalization of its downtown home at Astor Place will be unveiled October 4 and celebrated through a series of events designed to engage the entire New York community and marking a rededication to its founding principles- including the discussions noted below with celebrated designer Paula Scher and artist Ben Rubin. More information on all rededication events may be found at www.publictheater.org.

Introducing "Shakespeare Machine" by Ben Rubin
Tonight, Wednesday, Oct. 10
7:30pm-9:30pm

Artist Ben Rubin's large-scale multimedia sculpture, Shakespeare Machine, features 37 LED display screens on which a series of "scenes" made up of text fragments from Shakespeare's 37 plays appear and dance, creating a kaleidoscope of language in motion. The work, which was commissioned through the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs' Percent for Art program, will be suspended from the ceiling of the revitalized lobby and serve as the space's chandelier. The evening will include Shakespeare recitations as well as remarks from Patrick Willingham, Executive Director of The Public Theater, artist Ben Rubin and others. Free and open to the public. Space is limited; reservations required and may be made at www.publictheater.org.

The Public Side of Paula Scher
Sunday, Oct. 21
2:30pm

Designer Paula Scher has been the graphic steward of The Public Theater since 1994, creating images that speak to contemporary audiences with emotional impact and appeal. Scher will discuss her creative process, and creative point of view, and lead visitors through an installation chronicling some of her most impactful work. Free and open to the public; tickets are required and may be reserved at 212-967-7555 (daily noon-8:00pm), or by visiting The Public Theater Box Office, 425 Lafayette Street (Sun & Mon 1:00-6:00pm; Tue- Sat 1:00-7:30pm).

When: Wednesday, October 10, 7:30pm-9:30pm and Sunday, October 21, 2:30pm.
Where: The Public Theater at Astor Place
425 Lafayette Street
New York City

Tickets: Free, though reservations are required for both events: for Introducing "Shakespeare Machine" by Ben Rubin, reservations may be made at www.publictheater.org; for The Public Side of Paula Scher, reservations may be made at 212-967-7555 (daily, noon-8:00pm) / The Public Theater Box Office at 425 Lafayette Street (Sun & Mon 1:00pm-6:00pm, Tue-Sat 1:00pm-7:30pm)

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Oskar Eustis and Executive Director Patrick Willingham, The Public Theater is the only theater in New York that produces Shakespeare and the classics, musicals, contemporary and experimental pieces in equal measure. The Public continues the work of its visionary founder, Joe Papp, by acting as an advocate for the theater as an essential cultural force, and leading and framing dialogue on some of the most important issues of our day. Creating theater for one of the largest and most diverse audience bases in New York City for nearly 60 years, today The company engages audiences in a variety of venues-including its landmark downtown home at Astor Place, which houses five theaters and Joe's Pub; the Delacorte Theater in Central Park, home to its beloved, free Shakespeare in the Park; and the Mobile Unit, which tours Shakespearean productions for underserved audiences throughout New York City's five boroughs. The Public's wide range of programming includes free Shakespeare in the Park, the bedrock of The company's dedication to making theater accessible to all, new and experimental stagings at The Public at Astor Place, and a range of artist and audience development initiatives including its Public Forum series, which brings together theater artists and professionals from a variety of disciplines for discussions that shed light on social issues explored in Public productions. The Public Theater is located on property owned by the City of New York and receives annual support from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. For more information, www.publictheater.org.