The Public Theater - Creatives Rebuild New York

Two individuals, each wearing a dark sweater with 'RYAN' written on it, stand on a stage in front of a large pink background. The words 'ACCESSIBLE TO YOU' are displayed prominently behind them, with 'YOU' in large, bold letters. The individual on the left has short hair and points with both hands in different directions, while the individual on the right, wearing glasses, partially stands with the support of a walker. The stage is brightly lit, accentuating the pink tones and the performers' expressive postures.

Dickie Hearts and CRNY artist Ryan J. Haddad in Dark Disabled Stories

Photo by Joan Marcus

A person in a motorized wheelchair is positioned on a pink stage, wearing a red headband, glasses, a dark sweater, a blue skirt, and a vest. The background is a minimalist, pale purple wall. To the left are two empty blue chairs, connected by metal bars, resembling seats typical of public spaces. The lighting casts a soft shadow on the stage floor, creating a serene and introspective atmosphere.

Alejandra Ospina in Dark Disables Stories

Photo by Joan Marcus

Two performers in vibrant, futuristic costumes strike dramatic poses under bright studio lights. One performer kneels on the floor, holding a soft drink and gesturing expressively, while the other arches backward. In the background, a camera crew records the scene, with one cameraman operating a large, professional camera on a tripod. The studio is equipped with bright lighting and a large monitor displaying the live feed, contributing to the energetic atmosphere. The setting has a modern and artistic vibe, enhanced by creative use of colorful lighting.

Meg Steedle, Naomi Lorrain, Brian Muller and Matthew Russell in Jordans

Photo by Joan Marcus

Whitney White, CRNY artist Ife Olujobi, Naomi Lorrain, and Toby Onwumere in Jordans

Photo by Ilya Savenok

A diverse group of individuals stands in a circle inside a spacious dance studio. The participants are casually dressed, each facing inward towards the center of the circle, suggesting a collaborative or participatory activity. The room features light gray walls and a shiny black floor, with chairs lined up against the far wall. Overhead, the studio is equipped with large lights hanging from the ceiling. The atmosphere appears relaxed and informal, possibly indicating a rehearsal, workshop, or team-building exercise.

Julian Goldhagen and the Public Works Solo Works class on April 11, 2024

Photo by Jennifer Young Studio

A diverse group of people joyfully posing together, each holding a rose, suggesting a celebratory or concluding event. The individuals display a range of styles, colors, and expressions, embodying inclusivity and unity. One individual sits cross-legged, wearing a bright blue sweatshirt with the word 'dope' printed on it. Another holds a large bouquet of yellow flowers. The background features a stage-like setting with gray panels that support the festive atmosphere. Yellow flower petals are scattered on the floor, adding to the celebratory mood.

Public Works group

Photo by Jennifer Young Studio

The Collaboration

The Public partnered with artists-in-residence Ife Olujobi, Ryan Haddad, and Julian Goldhagen. The CRNY residency enabled The Public to create the time, space, and resources needed for playwrights Ife and Ryan to focus on writing as their primary paid occupation. During their residencies, both artists premiered new plays at The Public – Ryan’s “Dark Disabled Stories” (2/28/23 – 4/9/23) and Ife’s “Jordans” (4/11/24 – 5/19/24). Alongside this work Ryan helped The Public explore more expansive accessibility offerings for audiences and artists and held a workshop of his new, yet-to-be produced play, “Good Time Charlie.” Ife organized and moderated two panels on just labor practices for arts workers, and successfully advocated for an increase in playwright compensation at The Public. Julian was embedded with Public Works, their major community engagement initiative, and used their expertise as a licensed social worker to help participants build community across interpersonal differences. They also developed a series of storytelling classes and created a sweeping oral history project documenting the first ten years of Public Works.

The Organization

Conceived over 60 years ago as one of the nation’s first nonprofit theaters, The Public has long operated on the principles that theater is an essential cultural force and that art and culture belong to everyone. The Public’s wide breadth of programming includes an annual season of new work at its home at Astor Place, Free Shakespeare in the Park at The Delacorte Theater in Central Park, the Mobile Unit touring throughout New York City’s five boroughs, Public Lab, Public Works, and Joe’s Pub.

This collaboration has profoundly changed The Public. From Ife’s dedication to equitable pay in the arts, to Julian’s expansion of how we engage our Public Works community as storytellers, to Ryan’s leadership around disability access, all three artists have left The Public better than they found it. Jack Moore

The opportunity to synthesize my work in storytelling, social work, community-organizing, and theater-making in collaboration with the Public Works program has been invaluable to my journey as a transdisciplinary artist. Julian Goldhagen

The Public Works community has met the artistic forms of oral storytelling and narrative performance with deep intentionality and tremendous generosity of spirit. Individuals are telling their stories as artists–sharing new parts of themselves and radically taking creative space.