Harry De Jur Playhouse

The Harry De Jur Playhouse opened its doors on February 12, 1915, during a rush to finish the building. Workmen were still hammering seats into place as the very first audience arrived for the inaugural performance of a dance drama called Jephtha's Daughter. This theater was born from the vision of sisters Alice and Irene Lewisohn, who wanted to bring high-quality, experimental performing arts to the Lower East Side. At the time, it was one of the first Little Theaters in New York City, serving as a hub for artistic innovation that helped lay the foundation for modern American dramatic theater.