As for Indianapolis landmarks, few are as beautiful as the facade of the Indiana Repertory Theatre. Unfortunately it has been treated like most of the great architecture of downtown Indianapolis, Indiana and been packed in and surrounded by some of the ugliest steel and glass marketing machines available. Still it sits on Washington Street (US 40) like a lotus in the swamp.
Here’s a discussion on IRT’s history:
Founding and Early Years:
- The Indiana Repertory Theatre was founded in 1972 by visionary director, Tom Haas, along with a group of community leaders.
- Initially, the theater was housed in a former Methodist church on the northwest corner of Ohio and Meridian streets in downtown Indianapolis.
- The theater’s mission was to produce a diverse range of high-quality theatrical productions, including classic dramas, contemporary plays, and new works.
Growth and Expansion:
- Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the IRT gained a reputation for its excellent productions and commitment to artistic excellence.
- In 1980, the theater moved to its current location at 140 West Washington Street, a historic building that was formerly home to the Indiana Theatre.
- The move to the new venue provided the IRT with state-of-the-art facilities, including two performance spaces: the OneAmerica Mainstage and the Upperstage.
- Over the years, the IRT expanded its programming to include educational outreach initiatives, such as student matinees, workshops, and residencies, aimed at engaging the local community and fostering a love of theater.
Artistic Leadership:
- The IRT has been led by several influential artistic directors, each contributing to the theater’s artistic vision and growth.
- David Bradley served as the IRT’s first artistic director, followed by Tom Haas, who returned to lead the theater in 1980.
- Other notable artistic directors include Libby Appel, who served from 1992 to 2008, and Janet Allen, who assumed the role in 1996 and led the theater until 2018.
- Under their leadership, the IRT continued to produce a diverse array of productions, ranging from classic works by Shakespeare and Tennessee Williams to contemporary plays by emerging playwrights.
Impact and Recognition:
- The Indiana Repertory Theatre has had a significant impact on the cultural landscape of Indianapolis and beyond.
- It has received numerous awards and accolades for its productions, including nominations and awards from the prestigious Tony Awards and the American Theatre Critics Association.
- The IRT is also known for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, both on and off the stage, with initiatives aimed at fostering a more diverse and inclusive theater community.
Overall, the Indiana Repertory Theatre has played a vital role in enriching the cultural life of Indianapolis and continues to be a leading regional theater in the United States.
