Shakespeare in the Park:
"Shakespeare in the Park is one of New York City's most beloved summer traditions. New York natives and visitors alike have been enjoying free Shakespeare since performances began in 1954. Now 50 years after the opening of Shakespeare in the Park's permanent home at the Delacorte Theater on June 18, 1962, The Public Theater is proud to continue to produce Shakespeare in the Park."
Listening to an NPR story this morning, it occurred me that here we have the proper template for making the arts "democratic." It's not about "anybody can be an artist" but rather "anybody can enjoy the arts" -- in other words, as here, not about artists but about audience. Anybody can see Shakespreare for free here. But not anybody can be in the production. Meryl Streep and Kevin Kline don't have to draw straws for their roles. Casting is elitist. Watching the play is democratic. This is an essential difference but an important one for a discussion that gets misconstrued and misunderstood.
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