Theatrical Study (54 of 150)

c. 1920s–1940s
(American, 1867–1949)
This artwork is known to be under copyright.
Location: not on view

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Description

These watercolor sketches may have been inspired by early performances at the Cleveland Play House. Rather than a conventional theater, the Play House was founded in 1915 as a workshop for experimental art, music, poetry, and dance. Embracing the slogan “democracy in art,” the organization did not use professional actors in its avant-garde performances. Sommer was a guiding force in the organization, designing sets and costumes and participating in the performances. A reviewer described his costumes for one performance as “symbolic rather than historical” and his curved sets as a “cyclorama” illuminated by “ultra-modern lighting.”
Theatrical Study (54 of 150)

Theatrical Study (54 of 150)

c. 1920s–1940s

William Sommer

(American, 1867–1949)
America, Ohio, Cleveland

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