AGENCY TESTIMONY
20th-century use as a theater and cultural space
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ยท
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In the mid-20th century, 50 West 13th Street was transformed into a multi-use building, including a theater in the basement. It became an important venue for off-off-Broadway productions and housed significant cultural groups.
- In 1959, the building was renovated to create a theater, school, and apartments
- The Afro-American Folklore Troupe had a residency at the theater in 1968
- From 1972 to 2020, it was home to the 13th Street Repertory Company, founded by Edith O'Hara
- Many well-known actors and playwrights, including Bette Midler and Barry Manilow, performed at the 26-seat Basement Theatre
Margaret Herman
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In 1959, 50 West 13th Street was renovated to create a theater in the basement, a school at the first floor, and apartments above.
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Among various tenants, in the middle of 20th century, in 1968, the groundbreaking 4 member Afro American folklore troupe troupe had a residency at the theater performing poetry, folklore, and works by well known black writers.
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From 1972 to 2020, the building was the home of the 13th Street Repertory Company, one of New York's longest running off off Broadway theaters founded by Edith O'Hara.
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Many well known actors and playwrights honed their craft at the 26 seat Basement Theatre, including Bette Midler, Barry Manilow, Chaz Palminteri, and Richard Dreyfus.