Evening star., 1962-10-01
Fioht for Theoters

the several universities IN the
Washington area have
watched the proceedings con-
cerning the Capitol and
Keith's Theaters with con-
siderable interest and dis
may.
We consider the musical
events which utilize and later
might utilize these facilities
to be a major supplement to
our several academic pro-
grams. The Washington cul-
tural scene Is necessarily a
major attracting force for
those students throughout
the country who aspire to-
ward creative careers in the
performing arts. These stu
dents seek to pursue their
academic training in an en-
vironment which provides
broad and diversified oppor-
tunity for high quality art
istic experience.
1t is an unfortunate COM
mentary on a society as
creative as ours has been in
providing leadership in po-
litical, theological and in
dustrial realms, that we have
felt justified in gliding over
OF human expression which
has time and again proven
to be a primary force in the
establishment Of cultural
unity and depth. The songs
and dances Of a nation can
often do considerably more
to bind peoples together
through many centuries Of
political, scientific and in
dustrial change and to pro-
vide a greater and more last
ing senses Of pride in their
heritage than the most pro-
found deliberations of the
nations greatest scholars
and political leaders.
Some day our Nation will
realize that its greatest as
sets are not represented by
the symbols of material
wealth and accomplishment
but are to be found in the
rich diversified heritage
which its peoples represent
and the naturally resulting
potential for the richest and
most generally meaningful
Interpretation and under
standing Of the most chal-
longing philosophical ques-
tions Of human existence.
These will not and cannot
be solved by dollar values.
1t is our sincere hope that
the District Commissioners
will exercise the obligations
and responsibilities of their
office and will guide the re-
solution Of the immediate
questions concerning the dis
position of the theaters mem
toned, ever mindful of the
cultural welfare of the great
er Washington community
and, through its image, the
Nation at large.
Lloyd Ultan, Chairman Mu-
sic Department, American
University, George Steiner,
Chairman, Music department,
George Washington Univer-
sity, Warner Lawson, Dean,
School of Music, Howard
University, Homer Ulrich,
Head, Music Deparement
University of Maryland.
The House District Com
mittee unanimously approved
a bill providing for restora-
ton of the Belasco Theater
to be converted into a chill
dren's theater and art CEN
ter, operated by the D. C.
Recreation Department.
Washington alone, of cities
Of its size, has no children's
theater. There is no appro-
pirate place for children's
plays. concerts. puppet
shows, and the like. The
center is needed not only tt
provide entertainment fol
Washington children ano
those who visit here each
year, but to provide a train.
ing place for talented chill
dren whose interests lie ir
the performing arts. The Be.
laSco, located in a historic
well-policed area, accessible
easily by public transporta-
ton, could be restored at &
cost of half-a-million dol,
lars, according to GSA esti.
mateS-a trifle compared tt
the cost of an elegant new
stadium, or a Sl0-million
aquarium!
But now we see pictures of
Mrs. Kennedy viewing with
enthusiasm an architects
model of the new" Lafay-
cite Square, with the Bella
SEQ demolished to provide an
access corridor to a proposed
S6 million court building
There is no doubt that the