Forest Theater - Threat of Closure

Threat of Closure

In spite of this new use of the Forest Theater, the main stage remained dark. And once again, reservations about the usefulness of the theater were voiced. In 1971, the Cultural Commission considered closing the theater for good. Again, the residents of Carmel rose up and voiced their opposition. A new Forest Theater Guild was created and, in order to raise needed funds as well as draw attention to the possible closure, produced a staged reading of Robinson Jeffers’ Medea and The Tower Beyond Tragedy, which featured a memorable performance by world renowned actress Dame Judith Anderson.

In 1972, the Guild officially incorporated, and staged their first full production, producing Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. The success of this production showed the City that there was still public interest and support for the Forest Theater. The City Council commissioned a study to evaluate the efficacy of the theater. The public was invited to comment and, after several months of often heated discussions, several recommendations were made: The City Council decided to continue city operation of the facility, and the outdoor theater would be leased to the Forest Theater Guild on a two-year trial basis. The trial was a success, and, after negotiations over use of space between the Forest Theater Guild and CET, the lease with the Forest Theater Guild was renewed. Over the next decade, the Guild produced over 20 major plays, focusing on the great classics from the world stage, including memorable productions of such important American works as Eugene O’Neill’s Moon for the Misbegotten and A Long Day’s Journey into Night, both staged by Cole Weston, son of the well-known photography icon, Edward Weston, and a renowned photographer in his own right.