Hearst Greek Theatre

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Hearst Greek Theatre
The Greek Theatre Berkeley Sign.jpg
Hearst Greek Theatre
Address2001 Gayley Rd
Location Berkeley, California
Owner University of California, Berkeley
Operatorconcerts promoted by Another Planet Entertainment
Type amphitheater
Capacity 8,500
Opened1903
Website
http://calperformances.org/visit/venues/greek-theatre.php
Hearst Greek Theatre
Berkeley Landmark  No. 153
Location map Oakland.png
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USA California location map.svg
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Coordinates 37°52′25.3″N122°15′15.1″W / 37.873694°N 122.254194°W / 37.873694; -122.254194
Architect John Galen Howard
Architectural style Greek Revival
MPS Berkeley, University of California MRA
NRHP reference No. 82004644 [1]
BERKL No.153
Significant dates
Added to NRHPMarch 25, 1982
Designated BERKLFebruary 25, 1991 [2]

The William Randolph Hearst Greek Theatre, known locally as simply the Greek Theatre, is an 8,500-seat Greek Theatre owned and operated by the University of California, Berkeley in Berkeley, California, United States.

Contents

The Greek Theatre hosts The Berkeley Jazz Festival, pop, rock, and world music concerts, UC Berkeley graduation ceremonies, occasional addresses by noted speakers, and other events. Past speakers include President Theodore Roosevelt, William Randolph Hearst, Bishop Desmond Tutu, and the Dalai Lama. [3]

Architecture

The Hearst Greek Theater was built in 1903 on the site of a rough outdoor bowl already in use as an amphitheater since 1894 known as "Ben Weed's Amphitheater". The project was championed by University of California president Benjamin Ide Wheeler. [4] Its construction was financed by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, after whom it was named.

The Greek Theatre was the first university building designed by John Galen Howard. [4] Architect Julia Morgan assisted with the design. [5] The design of the theater is based directly on the ancient Greek theater of Epidaurus.

In 1957, a basement backstage area was added, which was designed by architect Ernest Born. [5] It includes a large plaza flanked by two stage-level constructions. [6]

It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. [1]

In May 2012, a seismic retrofit and expansion was designed by Palo Alto architecture firm, CAW Architects and constructed by Overaa Construction. Four new reinforced concrete columns were added and concealed in the original structure. [6] [7]

History

The Greek Theatre officially opened on September 24, 1903, with a student production of The Birds by Aristophanes. However, while still under construction in May 1903, the theatre hosted a graduation ceremony with an address by President Theodore Roosevelt, who was a friend of Wheeler's from New York.

In 1967 The Grateful Dead played the Greek for the first time, and went on to play 29 total concerts by 1989. [8]

Over the years, the Greek Theatre has seen performances from hundreds of musical and theatrical artists. [9] The Greek has also long been the venue for a number of annual events including departmental graduation ceremonies, the commencement convocation for graduating seniors, and the Bonfire Rally before the Big Game each year with Stanford. Charter Day ceremonies and inaugurations of University of California presidents and Berkeley chancellors have been held at the Greek Theatre with certain exceptions, such as the 1962 Charter Day ceremony at which President John F. Kennedy spoke—held at California Memorial Stadium for its larger capacity. [10]

Another Planet Entertainment became the exclusive concert promoter at the Greek in 2004. [11]

Physical Structure

The Greek Theatre is a solid structure characterized by two main components: seating and stage. Positioned in a natural amphitheater just north of Bowles Hall, above Gayley Road, the site takes advantage of the hill's semicircular shape, creating an open-air space oriented towards the west.

The seating area features a grassy mound at the top of the bowl, leading to 19 rows of concrete benches that cascade down the slope, forming a semi-circle facing the elevated Classical stage on the western side. The configuration includes 11 aisles, with 9 entrances at the top and 11 at the bottom. The lowest tiers, nearest to the stage, boast 28 intricately carved stone chairs. Surrounding the stage are high walls with attached Doric columns and entablatures on three sides, enclosed at both ends by square piers. The central stage entrance is a striking feature, comprising a monumental doorway in an aedicule form with a Classic entablature supported by consoles, adorned with egg and dart molding. Secondary entrances are positioned at the sides of the stage. The backstage area is flanked by storage and utility spaces to the north and south. Access to the main theater is provided through a series of terraces and staircases made of aggregate concrete, located north and south of the stage. Notably, Walter Steilberg, the consulting engineer for the 1957 remodeling, reported the absence of evidence for steel reinforcing in the structure according to his findings. [12]

Significance

The Greek Theatre's architectural significance and its integration with the surrounding environment are integral aspects of its appeal. Echoing this sentiment, Howard remarked, "Combining as it does the monumental and festive character, this form of building is at once impressive and graceful…The pure, simple, big classic forms harmonize exquisitely with the forms of hill and canyon." This blend of grandeur and elegance encapsulates the essence of the structure, reflecting the intellectual and democratic ideals of the early University. Notably, it was the first permanent outdoor theatre in the state, inspired by Greek prototypes.

Referred to as "this noble ensemble of building, sky and garden" by architect Ernest Born, the Greek Theatre has long stood as a symbol of the University's ethos. While not initially part of the University's plans, it became the inaugural completed project of John Galen Howard's architectural vision.

Originally known as "Ben Weed's Amphitheater," after its discoverer, the site had hosted the annual Senior Extravaganza since 1894. President Benjamin Ide Wheeler advocated for its transformation into a more substantial venue for University events, with funding secured from William Randolph Hearst. Architectural historian Joan Draper highlights the parallels perceived between Berkeley and Greek life by key figures involved in the project.

Modeled after the theater at Epidaurus, Howard envisioned elaborate enhancements, including caryatids crowning the back wall and a double colonnade encircling the seating area for 10,000 attendees, all to be clad in marble. However, financial constraints led to scaled-back plans, with private donors contributing inscribed marble chairs based on Greek designs. Collaboration between Howard and Julia Morgan on the plans, possibly including supervision of construction, further enriched the project's legacy.

The Greek Theatre saw its first use, albeit incomplete, on May 16, 1903, hosting President Theodore Roosevelt's commencement address. Formal dedication occurred on September 24, 1903, featuring selections from Aristophanes' The Birds performed in the original Greek. In 1957, Ernest Born introduced enhancements such as new dressing rooms, approaches, lighting, and a roof. These additions, discreetly integrated or separated from the main structure, complement rather than detract from its architectural integrity. [13]

See also

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References

  1. 1 2 "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places . National Park Service. January 23, 2007.
  2. ↑ "Berkeley Landmarks". Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association. Retrieved March 4, 2013.
  3. ↑ "How Students Helped End Apartheid". universityofcalifornia.edu. May 2, 2018. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
  4. 1 2 "Roma Pacifica: John Galen Howard, Greek Theatre".
  5. 1 2 "PCAD - University of California, Berkeley (UCB), Hearst Greek Theatre, Berkeley, CA". pcad.lib.washington.edu. Retrieved March 29, 2023.
  6. 1 2 "Award of Merit, Renovation/Restoration: UC Berkeley's Hearst Greek Theatre | 2012-11-27 | ENR | Engineering News-Record". www.enr.com. Retrieved March 29, 2023.
  7. ↑ "Historic Greek Theatre safe, sound and superb after upgrades". News Center. UC Berkeley. Retrieved August 23, 2014.
  8. ↑ "The SetList Program - Grateful Dead Setlists, Listener Experiences, and Statistics".
  9. ↑ Title: Sarah Bernhardt as Phaedre in the Greek Theatre of Berkeley Creator(s): Genthe, Arnold, 1869-1942, photographer Date Created/Published: between 1906 and 1942; from a negative taken in 1906. Medium: 1 slide : lantern; 4 x 5 in. or smaller. Call Number: LC-G4085- 0035 Repository: Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
  10. ↑ "Address at the University of California, Berkeley, March 23, 1962". John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
  11. ↑ California, Berkeley Daily Planet, Berkeley. "Clear Channel Loses Greek Theater Concerts". berkeleydailyplanet.com. Retrieved January 18, 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  12. ↑ "HEARST GREEK THEATRE". National Register of Historic Places. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
  13. ↑ "HEARST GREEK THEATRE". National Register of Historic Places. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
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