Pilgrimage Play & Theater 37 images Created 3 Oct 2019
In 1920, community activist Christine Witherill Stevenson purchased 29 acres in the Cahuenga Pass canyon across from the Hollywood Bowl and developed it into the Pilgrimage Play Theater. Stevenson wrote a "passion play" about the life of Christ, translating the four gospels of the New Testament, and journeyed to the Holy Land to obtain props. The first performance of the Pilgrimage Play was held on June 27, 1920 and it ran for 8 weeks. Realistic replicas of essential scenes were constructed and elaborately illuminated under the direction of Ellis Reed in the canyon's natural amphitheater. Many fine actors portrayed Jesus over the years, but none for as long as Nelson Leigh who held the role for over fifteen years. The tradition continued after Mrs. Stevenson's untimely death just two years later. Her parents then deeded the property and the Pilgrimage Play itself, together with a trust fund for its continuance to the Pilgrimage Play Association. Performances were given every summer in the original structure until it was destroyed by fire on October 24, 1924.
A new theater, with a seating capacity of 1,312 was built of concrete in 1929 in the ancient Judean architectural style and the play reopened in 1931, continuing until 1940. In 1941, the Pilgrimage Play Association deeded the property to the County of Los Angeles, subject to a 99 year lease on terms similar to the Hollywood Bowl lease. In 1964, a lawsuit brought against the County for using a County facility exclusively for a religious performance put an end to The Pilgrimage Play.
The venue then became an outdoor performing arts center showcasing Shakespearean theater and jazz performances. Major capital improvements to the site in the 1990s and again in recent years have increased capacity, amenities, and access. Now called the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, it is one of the oldest performing arts venues in Los Angeles.
The 37 photos in this gallery show the play and theater between 1920 and 1951.
A new theater, with a seating capacity of 1,312 was built of concrete in 1929 in the ancient Judean architectural style and the play reopened in 1931, continuing until 1940. In 1941, the Pilgrimage Play Association deeded the property to the County of Los Angeles, subject to a 99 year lease on terms similar to the Hollywood Bowl lease. In 1964, a lawsuit brought against the County for using a County facility exclusively for a religious performance put an end to The Pilgrimage Play.
The venue then became an outdoor performing arts center showcasing Shakespearean theater and jazz performances. Major capital improvements to the site in the 1990s and again in recent years have increased capacity, amenities, and access. Now called the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, it is one of the oldest performing arts venues in Los Angeles.
The 37 photos in this gallery show the play and theater between 1920 and 1951.
