The records of the Ypsilanti Greek Theater (0.5 linear feet and 3 volumes) range in dates from 1963 to 1967. The bulk of the information covers only the years 1965-1967 and provides minimal information from 1963 and 1964. Really the only materials that cover the earlier years of the organization are the scrapbooks.
The collection consists mainly of the papers of former president of the organization, Mrs. Clara Owens. Included are administrative records, photographs, newspaper clippings, scrapbooks, and printed materials. The papers have been divided into five series: Personal Records, Clara Owens; Administrative; and Publicity and Other Related Materials.
The Ypsilanti Greek Theater, sometimes referred to as the Ypsilanti Greek Festival, was an organization existing roughly from 1963 to 1967, whose purpose was to bring about a revival of the ancient Greek dramatic tradition in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Organizers constructed a theater in accordance with the designs of the traditional Greek amphitheater, and they produced a number of Greek dramas, attracting considerable local and national attention to the Ypsilanti area.
The Ypsilanti Greek Theater was actually only a small part of "PROJECT 73," the title given to Ypsilanti's sesquicentennial celebration. Designed in part to transform Ypsilanti into an economic, cultural, and educational center, the sesquicentennial did spur long-term plans to increase tourism, attract businesses, and create new educational facilities. According to the town's boosters, Ypsilanti was to become an important midwestern economic and cultural center.
As part of this vision, in 1963 a group of people organized, dedicating themselves to the revival of Greek drama. They drew widespread support over the next two years and were able to construct a classical Greek theater in the Riverside Park area by the summer of 1965. Much effort was expended as organizers solicited support and financial contributions from various local businesses, the city council, certain historical societies, and many larger sponsors including the Ford Foundation, and the federal government.
Alexis Solomos, former director of the Greek National Theater in Athens, became the new director, and many prominent local people served as officers including Mrs. Clara Owens, the president of the Ypsilanti Greek Theater. Three dramas were successfully produced during the 1966 season including Aeschylus' The Oresteia. Many well-known actors performed, including Melina Mercouri and Christopher Plummer.
Despite its artistic success, the Ypsilanti Greek Theater failed after its first season due to monetary problems and mismanagement. Mrs. Owens' relationship with the Board of Directors of the Ypsilanti Greek Theater was less than harmonious; a number of conflicts arose usually centered around administrative decisions and the management of finances. For whatever reasons, the Theater closed after the 1967 season. In retrospect, it would have been costly to maintain the Theater on a profitable foundation. Nevertheless, the venture represents an interesting cultural experiment in the history of this largely blue collar community.
