Soho Playhouse pays respect to the Lenape land on which it is situated as well as to the Munsee Lenape people past, present and future. Housed in Lenapehoking, on the Lenape island of Mannahatta (now referred to as New York City), Soho Playhouse acknowledges with care and gratitude the original people of this land and is committed to working against systems of oppression and programming  work in such a way as to break down colonial structures that will pave the way for a more balanced society free from injustice and oppression. 

1700s

The land on which the theatre is situated was part of the Richmond Hill Estate. That was Aaron Burr’s famous estate where George Washington was headquartered for The Battle of Manhattan.

1807

After his famous duel across the river, Aaron Burr was forced to vacate this land - making it available for purchase by John Jacob Astor.

1826

The building situated on the lot 15 Vandam Street was constructed.

1880s

Tammany Hall Democrats took over 15 Vandam Street to use as their Democratic Party social quarters.

1900

Huron Club is created. Tammany Hall’s District One Headquarters.

1918

“Battery” Dan Finn and Mayor ‘Beau James’ Walker used 15 Vandam as residential quarters.

1922

The upstairs was converted into a theatre and speaking hall. The downstairs was used as a speakeasy bar during Prohibition.

1963

Edward Albee took over the building and converted it into The South Village Theatre.

1970s

Used as an incubator and performance house for Edward Albee’s Playwrights’ Unit which fostered playwrights like Sam Shephard, Leroi Jones, and Lanford Wilson.

2004

Darren Lee Cole took over the lease on SoHo Playhouse reviving an Off-Broadway tradition.

PRESENT

Iconic Off-Broadway theatre for local and international artists to share their messages with the world. Working on a symbiosis between stage and digital to keep Off-Broadway alive.