Joseph Papp: At His Best Taking Risks

What will we do without Joseph Papp to give us artistic and management standards? This was a man who always delivered as promised, who never weaseled a decision or opinion, who fought for the playwright and who never faltered when risks might mean progress in the arts.

I first worked with Papp when I was with the National Endowment for the Arts (1965-69) and he was a constant and persistent applicant for projects at the New York Shakespeare Festival. He always asked for the precise amount of funds needed and never exceeded the budget. Further, he never claimed exaggerated benefits for any project. He had immense integrity and was one of the most respected people in the arts.

In 1977, Papp agreed to produce a play of mine that was also being considered for production at the Kennedy Center. He said, “I can’t wait for the Kennedy Center to make up its mind. I like the play. We start rehearsals next Tuesday.”

Most memorable was a meeting after the production with Papp, the director and me. Papp mentioned in the discussion that one scene didn’t seem to play as well as others. The director immediately defended the actors and his direction and said the writing was weak there. Papp leaned forward and touched both our arms. “Don’t pick on him,” he said, “he’s a playwright; what it’s all about.”

Joseph Papp understood what it was all about. He was always there for anyone who loved theater, and he believed in complete, no-frills honesty. He won’t be replaced in this art world of safe passage, cautious retreat.

CHARLES C. MARK

Santa Monica