The class will explore the legacy and impact of long-lived cultural institutions, using the Cleveland Play House, approaching its centennial, as an example. Through a combination of readings, guest speakers, and discussions, participants will consider the Cleveland Play House’s legacy from the varied perspectives of scholars, artists, audience/community, and institutional stewards. Kelvin Smith Library recently acquired the archives of the Cleveland Play House. This eye-witness evidence of the Play House’s history will be a key resource for the class. We propose to offer 4 sessions of 2 hours each, twice a month beginning in late-March. A short reading list will be provided. Institutional Memory – How is an archives used to analyse and interpret an institution’s history? What differentiates an archives from boxes full of documents in the back of a closet? This session will focus on the behind the scenes view of archives - how the CPH archives came to KSL, how archivists decide what to keep, preservation challenges; the role of digitization The insider perspective – Why do some institutions embrace their history while others disregard it? How does an institution celebrate its legacy while planning for the future? Representatives of the Cleveland Play House will describe plans for its centennial and discuss the relevance, or lack thereof, of its history to its future. The personal perspective – Actors and designers who have been associated with the Cleveland Play House will share their recollections of their artistic challenges and triumphs. Class participants will be invited to share their own experiences at the Play House. These varied individual perspectives will inform discussion of the impact of an arts organization on its community. The scholarly perspective – How does the Cleveland Play House’s history intersect with the history of Cleveland? Jeffrey Ullom, Assistant Professor of Theater, will discuss the Cleveland Play House history he is writing.

Dates: Tuesdays, March 26th, April 9th, April 23rd & May 7th