The Public Theater will will celebrate the 400th Anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death during this year's Shakespeare in the Park season, continuing the 54-year tradition of free theater in Central Park.

“The Taming of the Shrew” will kick off the season, playing a five-week run at the Park’s Delecorte Theatre from May 24 through June 26. Director Phyllida Lloyd will offer a bold take on the classic comedy, with an all-female cast lead by Cush Jumbo (TV’s “The Good Wife”) as Katherina and Tony winner Janet McTeer (“Mary Stuart”) as Petruchio.

Beginning July 19, The Public will tackle one of Shakespeare’s most rarely produced plays, “Troilus and Cressida.” Tony winner Daniel Sullivan (“Sylvia“) will direct. The tragedy spins off from a plotline in “The Iliad,” following two lovers during the later years of the Trojan War. The play closes on Aug. 24.

In addition to the two-show season, The Public will present a musical adaptation of “Twelfth Night” in early September, with music and lyrics by Shaina Taub and directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah. The Public’s Mobile Unit will also tour “Rome & Juliet” around all five boroughs, culminating in a three-week run at The Public's Astor Place location, from April 11 through May 1.

As always, tickets to Shakespeare in the Park productions are free and distributed, two per person, at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park on the day of the show.

The Public Theater will again offer free tickets through a Virtual Ticketing lottery on the day of the show. Those wishing to participate can register at www.shakespeareinthepark.org.

For more information and additional ticket information, visit www.thepublictheater.org.