The Public Theater has unveiled its 2026 Shakespeare for the City programming, promising an ambitious season of free, world-class theater for all New Yorkers. Presented by Citizens, the lineup features Free Shakespeare in the Park, Public Works at the newly revitalized Delacorte Theater, and the touring Mobile Unit, bringing Shakespeare to parks and correctional facilities across the five boroughs.
Highlighting the season, Saheem Ali returns to the Delacorte to direct Romeo and Juliet, marking the first time in 19 years the celebrated director has staged the Bard’s iconic tale of star-crossed lovers at Free Shakespeare in the Park. Artistic Director Oskar Eustis emphasizes that the production “makes a powerful case that love can heal even the most divided communities,” showcasing the citywide relevance of Shakespeare’s timeless themes. Tony Award-winning director Daniel Sullivan also returns with The Winter’s Tale, a story of betrayal, redemption, and love across generations, promising a spellbinding exploration of trust, destiny, and forgiveness.
The Public’s Mobile Unit will tour with As You Like It, directed by Emma Rosa Went, taking Shakespeare’s forest of Arden to audiences in neighborhood parks and correctional facilities alike. This outreach initiative ensures that New Yorkers who may not have access to the Delacorte can experience the joy and transformative power of live theater. Director of Civic Artistic Programs Pablo Hernandez Basulto notes that the Mobile Unit embodies the theater’s mission of “creating artistic spaces that build momentum toward a greater sense of interdependence among New Yorkers.”
Returning for the summer is Public Forum, now revived on Monday evenings, offering an intersection of performance, dialogue, and civic engagement. Under the leadership of Alexa Smith and Jeremy McCarter, the forum transforms the Delacorte into a dynamic town hall where artists, thinkers, and audiences explore the pressing ideas shaping the city.
Citizens continues as presenting partner, ensuring that ticket distribution and access programs reach audiences across all five boroughs. Rebecca O’Connell, NYC Metro Market President at Citizens, describes Shakespeare for the City as “an iconic staple that reflects the heartbeat and vibrant spirit of New York.” Support from the Jerome L. Greene Foundation further underscores The Public’s commitment to free, inclusive, and world-class theater, reinforcing the organization’s dedication to culture, democracy, and civic engagement.
With a season that blends classic storytelling, innovative productions, and citywide accessibility, Shakespeare for the City 2026 reaffirms The Public Theater’s legacy: a celebration of the arts as a unifying, transformative force, open to all New Yorkers, free, and forever.
Performances begin in May 2026. Full schedule and ticket information are available at publictheater.org.