This project was supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian Made accessible through a grant from the John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation and Photo Friends
The religious-themed Pilgrimage Play, written by Christine Whetherill Stevenson, was performed every summer between 1920 to 1941. In 1931, a new amphitheater, made of cast concrete, was erected to resemble the ancient architecture of the Holy Land for the purposes of the play performed there. During WWII, the theater was deeded to Los Angeles County and converted into dormitories for servicemen. After the war, the play resumed until 1964, at which time it was legally ordered to close due to its religious content. In the early 1970s, the amphitheater was renamed after John Anson Ford, in honor of his dedicated and successful campaign to revive the facility. Photograph caption dated July 27, 1961 reads, "Jesus of Nazareth, portrayed by Harry Raybould, blesses Mary Magdala (Louise Arthur, of Burbank) in photo at left, in a scene from the Pilgrimage Play, which is appearing for its 31st season at the Pilgrimage Playhouse, Hollywood. In the center picture, Mary, mother of Jesus (Mary Adams), falls to the ground with her arms outstretched toward her Son, who is dragging His heavy cross toward the site of His crucifixion. Pictured in the last photo are Christ, who is standing during the Last Supper, joined at His immediate right by His betrayer, Judas Iscariot (Herb Armstrong of North Hollywood)."; See images #00132769 through #00132771 for all photos in this series.
Type
Image
Format
1 photographic print :b&w ;26 x 21 cm. Photographic prints
Jesus Christ--Drama Pilgrimage Theatre (Hollywood, Los Angeles, Calif.) Apostles--Drama Actors--United States Theater rehearsals--California--Los Angeles Costumes Last Supper Religious drama Bible plays Theater--California--Los Angeles Theaters--California--Hollywood (Los Angeles) Amphitheaters--California--Hollywood (Los Angeles) Women--California--Los Angeles Men--California--Los Angeles Hollywood (Los Angeles, Calif.) Hollywood Hills (Los Angeles, Calif.) Valley Times Collection photographs Portrait photographs Group portraits
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