Ohio University Eastern Art Gallery to feature Theatre Retrospective exhibition in celebration of 65th anniversary
In celebration of the 65th anniversary of Ohio University Eastern, the Ohio University Eastern Art Gallery will feature a Theatre Retrospective exhibit beginning on Monday, April 4.
The theatre program began at Ohio University Eastern under the direction of Gary Oesch in fall 1968 with the production, “Aria Da Capo and Before the Flood. “ The program flourished on campus for over 60 years under the guidance of many talented directors including Claude Colvin, Mary Ann (Kovacevich) Droll and Dennis Fox.
“The main mission of Ohio University Eastern Theatre was always about teaching—increasing the awareness and appreciation of theatre in all of its forms,” former theatre director Dennis Fox shared. “Theatre was not a club or an extra-curricular organization, but an integral part of the Ohio University Eastern campus mission.”
Over 140 plays were produced on the theatre stage at OHIO Eastern including performances of fan favorites – “A Christmas Carol,” “Romeo and Juliet,” “All My Sons,” “Macbeth,” “The Crucible,” and even a performance of “The Wizard of Oz," in 1981.
“In addition to being a university theatre program, Ohio University Theatre was also open to the community which created a much more diverse theatre experience,” said Fox. “The theatre invited thousands of area public school students to performances over the years and was a resource for area high school theatre directors. The theatre program on campus made the Ohio University Eastern campus the cultural center of Belmont County.”
The Theatre Retrospective exhibit will showcase the history of theatre performances on campus. Posters, costumes, props, and an array of memorabilia will be on display. Recordings of past performances will be featured daily.
An Art Gallery reception will be held on Thursday, April 7 at 7 p.m. to welcome back theatrical performers from past shows and the community to celebrate the history of theatre on campus.
The Theatre Retrospective exhibition will be on view at the Ohio University Eastern Art Gallery through April 21. The Art Gallery is open Monday thru Thursday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.