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Theatre of the Living Arts of Philadelphia records
The Theatre of the Living Arts (TLA) was the brainchild of two local Philadelphia women, Celia Silverman and Jean Goldman. They were determined to establish a regional theatre in the Philadelphia area, which would also function as a multipurpose performing arts center, featuring film, dance, and mus...
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| Collection: | Theatre of the Living Arts of Philadelphia Records |
| Collection Number: | 3378 |
| Format: | Manuscript |
| Language: | English |
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| Online Access: | Link to finding aid |
| Tags: | Add Tag |
| Physical Description: |
37.5 Linear feet ; 89 boxes |
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| Access: |
A number of folders are closed to researchers are closed to researchers for 75 years from date of creation. These folders have been moved to Box 89, which may not be accessed. These files will be returned to their boxes once the restricted period as noted on each folder ends. See the Collection Inventory for specifics. Otherwise, this collection is open for research use. |
| Summary: |
The Theatre of the Living Arts (TLA) was the brainchild of two local Philadelphia women, Celia Silverman and Jean Goldman. They were determined to establish a regional theatre in the Philadelphia area, which would also function as a multipurpose performing arts center, featuring film, dance, and music. A derelict movie theatre was purchased in 1964 at 334 South Street, renovated, and was completed in 1965. The goal of the TLA was to establish a repertory theatre company that would both represent and enrich the Philadelphia region, and during its six-year run it performed the works of over twenty-one major playwrights, including Samuel Beckett, Harold Pinter, Moliere, Luigi Pirandello, and Bertolt Brecht. The Theatre of the Living Arts records house the organizational records of the TLA. This collection, which dates from 1930 to 1971, with bulk dates of 1964 to 1970, consists of administrative and production reports, correspondence, contracts, photographs, programs, and other planning and organizational materials created by the theater. These records paint a picture of a small theatre struggling to become and stay relevant in Philadelphia, gain and keep an audience and membership base, and produce artistic, timely plays that generated revenue as well as contribute to the flourishing culture of the city. |