The Public Theater is once again taking Shakespeare beyond traditional theater walls and directly into New York City communities with the return of its beloved Mobile Unit program. This summer, the Mobile Unit will present a free citywide tour of William Shakespeare’s romantic comedy As You Like It, bringing performances to parks, recreation centers, correctional facilities, and public spaces across all five boroughs through June 28.
Directed by Emma Rosa Went, the 90-minute family-friendly production is part of The Public Theater’s Shakespeare for the City initiative, presented by Citizens. The tour will feature 22 performances designed to make theater accessible to audiences who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience live Shakespeare.
The production begins with performances at correctional facilities before moving to public preview performances at Astor Place and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. From there, the cast will travel throughout New York City, transforming local parks and gathering spaces into Shakespeare’s magical Forest of Arden.
“We are thrilled to bring Emma Rosa Went’s As You Like It to New Yorkers across the city this summer,” said Pablo Hernandez Basulto, Director of Civic Artistic Programs at The Public Theater. “At a moment when questions of power, leadership, and community are on so many people’s minds, this play invites audiences to imagine different ways of being together.”
Director Emma Rosa Went emphasized the production’s focus on accessibility and community. “I believe Shakespeare belongs to everyone,” she said. “As You Like It is a joyful, wise, radical play about what kind of society it might be possible for us to build together.”
One of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies, As You Like It follows Rosalind and her cousin Celia as they flee into the Forest of Arden after Rosalind’s father is exiled. Disguised as a young man, Rosalind encounters Orlando, who is unknowingly searching for the woman he loves. Along the way, audiences meet a colorful cast of shepherds, jesters, musicians, and would-be lovers navigating romance, identity, and self-discovery.
The cast includes Zia Lawrence as Rosalind, Jose Gamo as Orlando, Caitlin Nasema Cassidy as Celia, Peter McNally as Touchstone, Zoë Goslin as Jaques and Le Beau, David Ryan Smith as Duke Frederick and Duke Senior, and Kai Thomani Tshikosi as Silvius and Charles, among others.
The tour will visit locations in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island, including Bryant Park, Prospect Park, Sunset Park, Roy Wilkins Park, St. Mary’s Park, and Wolfe’s Pond Park.
Additional details, performance times, and attendance information are available through The Public Theater.