McGinnis Theatre Reopening
The following are excerpts from John Howell's 1982 remarks pertaining to the 1982 re-opening of the newly renovated McGinnis Theatre.
This and other speeches may be found in the records of the Chancellor's Office, Record Group CH1050, Series 2, Subseries 4, Box 11, Folder 8 in the University Archives.
Saturday, April 3, 1982 -- 8:15 pm
I want to say a few words about one of the university’s treasures -- its theatre arts program. The university family looks upon this building and the works of art that are constantly being created in it just as a biological family would look upon a fine old family heirloom, or a painting by a master in the entry hall of the family home, or a son or daughter who cheers the family by a highly successful career.
That cherishing is first of all an enjoyment within the family -- a savoring of a prize to be viewed regularly and enjoyed within the group.
We enjoy this theatre among ourselves -- within this family. It is a family bond.
But University families, like other families, also look outward.We also cherish this house for what others see in it. Just as any family wants its friends to enjoy its heirlooms, family art treasures and its children, the university family wants you and other visitors to the campus to join with us in the enjoyment of this treasure. It is a bond between the campus and the people it serves.
And finally, because we are human, we get pleasure when those beyond the close friendship circle -- especially our competitors -- look upon this magnificent resource with a little envy. This theatre will be the envy of the State and the larger region.
But this theatre is not all these things to us because of the brick and mortar or the computerized lighting system. Those are the shell and the machinery. This theatre is a treasure because of Edgar Loessin and the people who have followed his direction to create one work of art after another. First there is Amanda Loessin, his wife. Then his faculty, staff, their students and the artists who have come for visits to be his many casts over the years.
Edgar Loessin has put all this together. He has made it happen regularly during the twenty years that he has been in Greenville.
He is simply a genius. The productions of this theatre are among the very best.You know very well that I am not an over-proud head of household bragging too much on the family treasures. You are the theatregoers and theatre-lovers. You are educated and sophisticated critics.You have viewed many productions and you know that I am speaking a simple truth.
