Davis Polk is advising the Shakespeare Society of America, Inc. on its affiliation with The New York Shakespeare Festival (d/b/a The Public Theater) pursuant to which The Public Theater will become the sole member of the Shakespeare Society with the right to appoint the Shakespeare Society’s board of directors. The Shakespeare Society and The Public Theater will collaborate in producing and presenting William Shakespeare’s work through performance, commentary and educational activities under the “Public Shakespeare Initiative.” In connection with the affiliation, Davis Polk is also advising on the continuation of the Shakespeare Society’s collaboration with the Hunts Point Alliance for Children’s Shakespeare Ensemble. 

The Shakespeare Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the enjoyment, understanding and appreciation of William Shakespeare’s works through performance, commentary and educational activities. 

Conceived over 60 years ago as one of the nation’s first nonprofit theaters, The Public Theater has long operated on the principles that theater is an essential cultural force and that art and culture belong to everyone. The Public’s wide breadth of programming includes an annual season of new work at its landmark home at Astor Place, Free Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park, The Mobile Unit touring throughout New York City’s five boroughs, Public Forum, Under the Radar, Public Studio, Public Works, Public Shakespeare Initiative and Joe’s Pub.

The Hunts Point Children’s Shakespeare Ensemble is a youth enrichment program which offers students in Hunts Point, Bronx, the opportunity to explore, understand and perform the theatrical works of William Shakespeare.

The Davis Polk corporate team includes partner John A. Bick and associates Elyka A. Anvari and Nicholas C. Phillips. Counsel Matthew J. Bacal and associate Carrie Guo provided intellectual property and technology advice. Members of the Davis Polk team are based in the New York office.

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