Customer Reviews

Joe Papp: An American Life

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The story of Joe Papp is the story of a precious stage ofAmerican theater history -- an intensely productive period forAmerican playwrights and New York theater -- and as such, this book is satisfying. The author is a Papp fan, so it's to her credit that this reader found Papp complex and industrious, but not terribly likable or insightful about the theatrical art or craft. As a visionary, his successes are a matter of record -- though no one would want producers to emulate his thoughtless, irresponsible, "raging bull" approach to developing the artistic and financial security of an organization. Yet the man was a force of nature, and his interaction with his community -- documented here in detail -- is of genuine historical interest.

I read this book my freshman year in college (some 15 years ago) and it changed my life. Inspired by Papp's twin beliefs in theatre for all, as well as having the city and community cover the cost I set out with friends to produce a show in my hometown of Savannah, Ga. I was 19 at the time and could never have pulled this off if I hadn't had the example stories, letters, and attitude of Papp that I absorbed from this book. (The review in the local paper called it "Daring but Flawed")

The book is full of inspiring stories of how Papp built his empire, and how he took a strong stance in demanding what he needed from the City of New York, as well as those around him. Even some of Papp's actual letters to city officials are captured here. The book also touches on how Papp worked to nurture playwrights and directors and created a space for community and culture to emerge. Epstein does a good job of showing Papp was not perfect, without having that part draw too much focus from the central theme of how he did what he did.

A must read for anyone interested in history of theatre, or looking to become a producer.

Lucky for us readers that Helen Epstein tackled her biography of Joe Papp once again, after having given up twice before. With exhaustive research, frank personal observations and countless anecdotes from Papp's family, friends, colleagues and enemies, Epstein creates a stunning portrait that reveals where the great producer came from, what inspired him and how he went about accomplishing his many missions -- on stage and off. Born out of poverty, Papp once remarked that it was not poverty, but anti-Semitism and the Holocaust that troubled him. We follow his evolution as he channels his personal outrage against discrimination into his many missions: Shakespeare for everyone, not just the rich, and free at that, African-American causes, gay causes, color blind casting & minority theatre." Epstein's biography is a rich, nuanced and frank monument to the great man, and a page-turner that never disappoints.

havent read all of it yet; but ive read her, the authors first book which is pretty accurate; my uncle was an amazing, dynamic and brilliant innovator in many fields; not only in theatre which he dedicated his life to; but sensitive to all people; because of him homeless people are being given food now; progams he started when he was alive; my whole family have the papp blood; myself as a teacher, linguist, dancer, singer,etc; sister artist;;;this was given to us by my grandfather an immigrant from poland who loved music, yiddish theatre, was an actor, comedian,;;etc. may my uncle, Joseph Papp who has given my mother, and family, never be forgetten; looking forward to getting the book and will follow with unbiased critique