Evening star., 1937-06-05

ing Of the needed accouterments each
Summer.
NATURALLY the first protest would
be against spelling the charac-
teristics OF the site. but this could be
avoided by planning in accordance
with the present architectural scheme.
Could not the Fine Arts Commission,
always jealous for the beautifica-
ton Of the Nations Capital, devise
some way of extending in circular
form the present curb line. 50 IS to
provide = depth OF three times that
OF the existing shell, \ total stage
depth OF 90 feet? In other words.
construct an arc with sufficient floor
space on which could be erected
stage, in section. and easily removed
at the end of the Summer season.
This type OF masonry work would
not destroy the character Of the sur
roundings. The Army and Navy en-
cheering services and the Shipping
Board supply service could also as
sist with invaluable ideas and work.
ing together with the National Park
Service could solve the problems of
how to combine the artistic and the
practical. The only alternative, If
such a permanent construction be in
advisable, is to purchase or construct
barges especially designed for accom-
modating stage built in removable
sections
The question Of cost is also to be
considered, but this may not be too
great a stumbling block to such a
splendid venture As the Water Gate
Is under the National Park Service,
which has given the city the Sylvan
Theater and the pleasure Of many
noteworthy Entertainments, and it,
in turn, is under Secretary Of the
Interior Ickes, also public works
administrator, it might be possible
for him to provide P. w. A. funds
for an improvement at the Water
Gate which would be more construc-
lively permanent than Summer-to-
Summer makeshift.
Many times have Washingtonians
had occasion to be grateful to Secre-
tary Ickes for his improvement OF the
city, and should he make it possible
for the Water Gate to become an
outstanding open-air auditorium. with
out loss Of the noble characteristics
OF the site. the people would have
reason to be increasingly appreciative
Of the man who has devoted his life
to betterment Of the masses
NOR need the employment Of such
an auditorium be limited to one
class Of entertainment This COM
munity has shown what 1t can do
through its support Of the National
Symphony Orchestra, which has be-
come the pride Of the music and lay
public alike. But why cannot we
branch out, as have other cities, and
increase the number Of artistic pre-
sentations? Summer opera Is now
= part Of many cities Summer sched-
ule, as well as drama and dance events.
Every night could have its speciality at
the Water Gate. drawing large and
delighted audiences, and this could
go on from year to year, II q perma-
nent staging plan could be thought
out. The site Is here, unrivaled in
any other city. the audience Is here,
and the promise Of sucoess Is here.
Perhaps Mr.. Ickes and the P. w. A.,
the National Park Service and the
Fine Arts Commission will be willing
to consider how the problems which
prevent Us from having q monument
to art In the shape OF beautiful
outdoor auditorium can be surmounted.
Not only residents of the city, but
those of all the surrounding country
will be eternally grateful II they will
help toward this end.