Theatricum Botanicum, Open-air amphitheater in Topanga Canyon, United States
Theatricum Botanicum is an open-air amphitheater with approximately 299 seats carved into the natural terrain of the Santa Monica Mountains and surrounded by native California plants. The facility integrates a performance space with botanical gardens that fill the grounds, creating a setting where theater unfolds within landscaped natural surroundings.
The venue was founded in 1973 by actor Will Geer as a performance space for artists facing professional restrictions during the McCarthy era blacklist period. The creation of this theater represented a bold artistic response to the political pressures of that time.
The venue maintains a collection of plants mentioned in Shakespeare's works, creating a literary garden that surrounds the performance space. This combination of theater and horticulture gives visitors a distinctive setting where classical texts connect directly with the living plants referenced in those works.
Visitors can bring picnic meals to enjoy before shows, with parking available on site and accommodations for guests with mobility needs. The location within a natural canyon means the grounds include uneven terrain, so comfortable footwear is advisable for navigating the space.
The main stage incorporates wooden planks salvaged from the Santa Monica Pier following storm damage in 1983, directly connecting local coastal history with the performance space. This use of reclaimed materials from a regional landmark adds another historical layer to the venue.
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