Associates of Brand Library & Art Center in partnership with Antaeus Theatre Company is screening the 2012 documentary “Joe Papp in Five Acts,” directed by Tracie Holder and Karen Thorsen. The film will be followed by an informal discussion about the film and Papp’s impact on American theatrical culture. 

“Joe Papp in Five Acts” is a documentary that explores the life and enduring legacy of the legendary theatrical producer Joseph Papp. The film tracks how this street-wise visionary revolutionized American theater by championing inclusion and free, accessible art.

The film is presented in five distinct “acts,” each detailing a specific phase and guiding principle of Papp’s influential career. These highlight his defining achievements: the creation of Free Shakespeare in the Park and the founding of the Public Theatre in New York.  

Toward the end of his life, Papp took a firm stand against the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) censorship practices and also became a prominent AIDS activist.     

Following the screening, there will be a discussion of Papp and his legacy with panelists:

Nike Doukas is the artistic director of Antaeus Theatre Company, an award-winning, actor-driven company dedicated to classical theater. She has directed plays at Antaeus and A Noise Within as well as regional theater companies in Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, and Pittsburgh, among others. As an actress, she has appeared at South Coast Repertory Theater, The Pasadena Playhouse, The Mark Taper Forum and Shakespeare Festival LA, among others. Doukas has an MFA in acting from The American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco.  

John Bauman is an actor and, for the past 20 years, has managed the careers of writers and directors in the entertainment industry. Bauman has an MFA in theatre from the University of Washington and as an actor appeared in a New York Shakespeare Festival production of Henry V along with Kevin Kline. He has also appeared in television and regional theatres. Bauman has experience with the Independent Shakespeare Co. in Los Angeles, serving as a board member and chairman of the board. 

He is currently on the board of directors of Antaeus Theatre Company. 

The documentary screening and discussion will take place on Thursday, July 9 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Brand Library & Art Center recital hall, 1601 W. Mountain St. in Glendale. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Admission is free and open to the public; no reservations required.

Submitted by Reel Art Film Series