The dedication of the Bankside Theater, in 1914, marked a new phase in the modern movement toward the Theater of Nature, which is rapidly coming into favor on the Continent and with us. The name "Bankside" was suggested by its location on the banks of a gentle stream which flows in graceful curves across our Unicersity Campus. It was also suggested by that region of old Londan where stood the theater of William Shakespeare. Our open-air theater is a distinct contribution to the history of the outdoor stage, being the first to utilize the natural curve of a stream as the foreground of the scene, between the stage and the amphitheater. The stage is approximately one hundred feet wide and forty feet deep. The illusion of the lovely natural setting, of the reflectinos in the quiet stream, either by day or by night, is truly wonderful. The stream is just eighteen feet in width here, and the acoustic properties contributed by the water add much to its effectiveness. Every seat in the amphitheater (which will accommodate conveniently an audience of three thousand) is adequate for both seeing and hearing perfectly. We are indebted to Mr. Percy MacKaye, Mr. Percival Chubb, Mr. Frank Chouteau Brown, and others for valuable suggestions in planning a permanent architectural setting for our outdoor theater. We hope to begin the work of construction this summer. The plan provides for a colonnade of Greek columns on the crest of the bankside to frame picturesquely our Theater of Nature. It is our purpose to preserve and enhance its native charm, and, with this end in view, the grassy slope of the amphitheater will be retained, but the sod will be terraced, the only structural additions being radiating aisles in concrete to perfect the seating arrangements. More trees and shrubs will be planted to screen the stage and the approaches. Altogether the effect of the completed Bankside should be unique and beautiful. F. H. K. THE BANKSIDE THEATRE, UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA A Scene in "A Pageant of the North-West"-the Initial Performance, May 29, 1914 |