"The day is lived, and evening comes, and then there's this wonderful time when the lights are lit, and that's when the theater is needed." ~ Joan Littlewood
On this day in 1963, the East-West Theater was renamed the John F. Kennedy Theater to coincide with President Kennedy's burial at Arlington National Cemetery.
Located on the campus of the University of Hawai‘i Manoa, Kennedy Theater was the first public building named after the late president.
"Memory," said screenwriter Anita Loos, "is more indelible than ink."
A tribute to memory and creative possibilities, the stunning 600-seat learning and performing facility was designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei and resembles Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. In this unique learning environment, student learn dance, design, direction, acting, and more.
With the spirit of Hawai‘i's diverse melting pot of nationalities, Kennedy Theater is internationally known for its multicultural approach to the study of Theatre and Dance. With passion that blends east with west, the theater's intimate performances include touring productions and classic Japanese kabuki.
"No theater program in the United States--or for that matter in the world--parallels the University of Hawaii's in breadth and depth," said professor James Brandon.
The theater brings light to life.