The Public Theater Presents Free Movie Nights at Astor Place, 10/22, 29 & 11/12

The Public Theater's $40 million revitalization of its downtown home at Astor Place was unveiled October 4 and continues to be celebrated through a series of events designed to engage the entire New York community and marking a rededication to its founding principles-including free movie nights. More information on all rededication events may be found at www.publictheater.org

Movie Night: "Passing Strange"
Monday, Oct. 22, 7:00pm
The 2008 Public Theater on Broadway's production of Passing Strange, the semi- autobiographical story of a young black man who leaves behind his middle-class, church-ruled upbringing in mid-1970s Los Angeles to travel to Europe in search of his artistic and personal identity, was filmed by director Spike Lee and presented as part of PBS' "Great Performances" series. Free and open to the public.

Movie Night: "Much Ado About Nothing"
Monday, Oct. 29, 7:00pm
The Public Theater revisits its Tony-nominated 1972 production of Much Ado About Nothing starring Sam Waterston, which was originally broadcast by CBS for 20 million people that year. Free and open to the public.

Movie Night: "Joe Papp in Five Acts"
Monday, Nov. 12, 7:00pm
This documentary celebrates Public Theater founder Joe Papp's vision and accomplishments as one of American theater's most important figures; directed by Tracie Holder and Karen Thorsen. The film will be followed by a panel discussion with The Public's Artistic Director Oskar Eustis and others. Free and open to the public.

When: Monday, October 22 at 7:00pm ("Passing Strange"), Monday, October 29 at 7:00pm ("Much Ado About Nothing"), Monday, November 12 at 7:00pm ("Joe Papp in Five Acts")

Where: The Public Theater at Astor Place
425 Lafayette Street
New York City