Free
Shakespeare?

By: Lauren Gill

For 17 years, Shakespeare in the Parking Lot has been performed by The Drilling Company to audiences using empty parking spots in NYC’s municipal lots.  These free shows are now being asked by the city to pay for the space they use… even though those spaces are empty. The New York Times discusses the conflict between the city, looking for revenue, and the company, who sees themselves as providing a public art service.  In a city abundant with artistic performances, art that is free should be protected so people of all economic backgrounds can enjoy these works.