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 article dated August 25, 1964 partially reads, "A tradition in Los Angeles - the Pilgrimage Play - has returned. This year marks the 32nd season of the world famous pageant and also its first production after a long hiatus which began after the 1961 season. At that time necessary county funds were withdrawn when a heated controversy arose over the separation of church and state affairs. But this year the Biblical drama has been revived with the aid of private contributions from Southern Californians who have stated their beliefs that the play's poetic beauty and inspirational message must be preserved. And it's back in its old home, nestled high in the Hollywood Hills above Cahuenga Boulevard, and just across the freeway from its sister amphitheater, the Hollywood Bowl. The Pilgrimage Theater, marked by a huge lighted cross, was erected especially for the pageant depicting the life of Jesus of Nazareth, created by Christing Wetherill in 1920."
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.) Group portraits Portrait photographs Valley Times Collection photographs
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