This naming is in recognition of a $10 million gift from The Polonsky Foundation.
"We previously announced that our first home was a Center for Shakespeare and Classical Drama. We are now honored to name our building Polonsky Shakespeare Center," Jeffrey Horowitz, TFNA founding artistic director, said in a statement. "It is the largest private gift we have received. It is transformational and will enable us to have a permanent home from which we can contribute to the cultural life of Brooklyn and New York."
"At this stage of my life, for a kid from Brooklyn to return to New York and support a beautifully designed theatre devoted to Shakespeare, is deeply meaningful. Ars longa, vita brevis. It is a pleasure to support Theatre for a New Audience's passion and endurance," Dr. Leonard S. Polonsky, creator of The Polonsky Foundation, said in a statement.
The first production at Theatre for a New Audience at Polonsky Shakespeare Center will be A Midsummer Night's Dream, directed by Julie Taymor and featuring original music by Elliot Goldenthal.
Built in partnership with The City of New York and designed by Hugh Hardy and H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture, Theatre for a New Audience at Polonsky Shakespeare Center will be a sustainable, "green" building. Founded in 1979 by Jeffrey Horowitz, Theatre for a New Audience is an internationally recognized modern classical theatre rooted in Shakespeare. It presents Shakespeare alongside major authors ranging from Euripides, Molière and Ford to Edward Bond, Adrienne Kennedy and Wallace Shawn.
More information can be found by visiting tfana.org.