Luther H. Jenkins Greek Theater
Site: South side of Gumenick Quadrangle
Constructed: 1929
Dedication: October 24, 1929
During the 1928-1929 academic year, in response to suggestions from faculty and students that an outdoor theater would be a welcome addition to campus, Luther H. Jenkins offered to fund its construction. Jenkins was a book manufacturer in the city of Richmond, a member of UR’s Board of Trustees, and one of the original members of the Richmond Philharmonic Association. Jenkins had been born in Fredericksburg, Virginia but moved to Richmond with his mother after his father died during the Civil War. After finishing school, he formed a partnership with E.C. Walthall and later bought out his partner and established a publishing house. Jenkins died in 1935.
In writing about Jenkins’ offer to fund the Greek Theater, President Boatwright noted in his annual report in the spring of 1929 that the theater would seat from 2,000 to 2,500 and that work would “begin at once.” Construction was completed by early fall, and the theater was dedicated on October 24, 1929.
The dedication took place during University Week 1929 when the Henry Mansfield Cannon Memorial Chapel was also dedicated. The event began with a talk on dramatic art by Dr. Samuel McCune Lindsay of Brookline, Massachusetts. Dr. Douglas F. Freeman presented the theater on behalf of Jenkins, and President Boatwright accepted the theater on behalf of the University. This was followed at 4:00 p.m. by a performance of Gilbert Murray’s translation of Euripides’ Electra. The music was written especially for the performance by F. Flaxington Harker. The play was directed by Miss Emily Brown and produced by Miss Carolyn Lutz. Electra was played by Elizabeth Gill. Boatwright issued so many invitations to the dedication that not everyone would fit in the theater; instead, students were invited to attend the dress rehearsal on the evening of October 22.
Since its dedication, the Greek Theater has been used for various events, including for many years the May Day festivities presented by Westhampton College, pep rallies, song fests, weddings, and concerts.
Sources:
The Collegian, 11 Oct. 1929; 18 October 1929; 4 May 1951
Alley, Reuben E. History of the University of Richmond, 1830-1971
Annual Report of the President of the University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia, 1929
VBHS building file