Have you ever felt the thrill of witnessing a Shakespearean masterpiece brought to life? Welcome to the Theater for a New Audience. Right here on Rockwell Place in Brooklyn stands a testament to the enduring power of classic drama. This isn’t just any theater. This is the Theater for a New Audience a place where Shakespeare’s words resonate with modern relevance.
Founded in 1979 by Jeffrey Horowitz the Theater for a New Audience had a bold mission. It aimed to make classic plays accessible and exciting for diverse audiences. It wasn’t simply about putting on old shows. It was about reimagining them making them relevant and engaging for a contemporary world. The theater’s productions toured nationally and internationally spreading its unique vision.
The Theater for a New Audience achieved a major milestone in 2013. It moved into its new home the Polonsky Shakespeare Center. This wasn’t just any building. It was the first theater designed specifically for classic drama built in New York City since Lincoln Center’s Vivian Beaumont Theater. Imagine the excitement the anticipation of opening night. It was a grand premiere of Julie Taymor’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Taymor a renowned director had previously worked with TFANA on a production of Titus Andronicus in 1994. The new space was part of a vibrant arts district alongside the Mark Morris Dance Center and the Barclays Center.
The Theater for a New Audience wasn’t just about performances. It fostered community. It offered lectures workshops and family activities making classic drama a part of everyday life. In 2017 the theater received prestigious recognition. It was awarded the Ross Wetzsteon Award at the Obie Awards a testament to its artistic excellence and commitment to its mission.
So as you stand here today remember you’re not just looking at a building. You’re looking at a legacy. A legacy of bold productions and innovative interpretations of classic drama. A legacy of bringing Shakespeare and other classic plays to life for a new generation. The Theater for a New Audience is more than a theater. It is a living breathing testament to the enduring power of the arts. A testament you’re now a part of.