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The Mail

Brighter Side of Theatre

To the Editors of the CRIMSON:

Concerning "false expectations . . . and much speculation" on the faculty resolution that a theatre be built at Harvard, last Thursday's CRIMSON editorial admitted the necessity "to stir up interest . . . for a theatre . . .", but the editorial presented the darker side of the situation rather than the lighter side.

This faculty resolution is the first concerned effort by any organized body to procure a theatre for Harvard. This is the first concrete step toward the realization of a long-range project. This interest and farsightedness is to be praised, not slighted.

The CRIMSON editorial advances a realistic and healthy point of view; i.e., that over-speculation on the prospect of a theatre is unwise in terms of the present war situation. However, the enthusiasm of Archibald MacLeish is to be commended. MacLeish, a Yale man, has been on the Harvard faculty for a year and a half, and yet he has had the interest and fortitude to advance, for the first time in concrete terms, an enthusiasm that recognizes Harvard's need for a theatre. This is itself is heartening.

This interest for a theatre need not interfere with expanded scholarship and tutorial projects--it can be independent in fund raising campaigns. All the theatre project needs is Corporation approval, and let continued enthusiasm carry on from there. In the meantime, present day interest in this long-range project should consider the brighter view of the future, and not the darker view of the present. John L. Haggerty '53

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