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5 things to know about the origin, structure and modern relevance of the Yoruba Alarinjo Theatre

A little delve into the artistic beginning and practices of the people from the western part of Nigeria is inevitably bound to lead one into the discovery of the Yoruba Alarinjo Theatre. This is because this dramatic group is tied to one of the core histories of these people.

The Yoruba Alarinjo theatre has been tagged as one of the earliest forms of theatre and concert performances in the country. For as long as man has lived, dramatic institutions have always existed to entertain the people and enable them to relax after every tedious work routine has been performed.

For the early men, drawing on caves and telling stories was more like their means of entertainment. Later on, festivals, rites of passage and celebrations held in honour of gods performed the dual function of entertaining people.

However, it was not until masque theatres such as the Alarinjo came about that the entertainment industry began to take a definite shape and structure that defined and streamlined their purpose.

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Due to the sheer reason that the Alarinjo theatre which involved movement from place to place to perform served as a cornerstone that formed the building block of the well expanded industry of entertainment in Nigeria, it is very essential that it be paid a close attention. In line with this thought, here are five facts to know about the origin, structure and impact of this masque group.

1. The beginning of the beginnings: It started as a curse

Based on the very earliest account, the Alarinjo theatre was started by one of the earliest monarch of the Oyo Empire in the year 1590.

As recorded, this king, or better put, the Alaafin who at the time was named Ogbolu had proposed the movement of the capital of Oyo from Oyo Ighoho to a place called Katunga due to the continual attack by predators and overpowering armies.

The people who were already well settled in Ighoho and the seven chiefs called the Oyo Mesi did not find this decision quite pleasing so they devised a plan to stop the Alaafin from going ahead with his move. As the story goes, these seven principal councilors of the Oyo Empire purposed to go and convince the king not to make the decision to move.

But first, they sent six people who were of unique, curious appearances (crippled, blind, hagged etc.) who found their way to the palace of the king. These people were called ghost-mummers. These six men of curious appearances were made to represent each of the six Oyo Mesi that was against the decision.

The first who was an albino represented Alapinni; a leper stood for another Oyo Mesi member called Asipa; the third who had hunchback symbolised Bashorun; the fourth, a prognathus, was for Samu; a cripple took the place of Akiniku and a dwarf went for Laguna.

Given that it was believed that these ghost-mummers were gods in human form), these folks went on to prophesy doom about the intended move. At first, their plan seemed to have effect.

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Unknown to them, though, the king had been advised by Ologbin Ologbojo, a royal cymbalist and member of the Egungun cult to investigate the matter before heeding their advice. The Alaafin then went on to send six hunters to look for each of the fake ghost-mummers and track down their purpose.

Before long, the dubious purpose behind their visit was established. As a punishment, Alaafin Ogbolu told the six ghost-mummers to remain as court mascots and keep performing at his pleasure.

Meanwhile, Ologbin Ologbojo became their theatrical 'director'. It was later rumoured that these six deformed people turned performers poisoned the royal cymbalist to get back at him for orchestrating their arrest.

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2. The documented beginning

Although the account given below is well believed, the documented origin of the Alarinjo theatre did not come until later when a certain Hugh Clapperton wrote about it in his Journal of a Second Expedition into the Interior of Africa.

Another foreigner named Richard Lander recounted Clapperton's account in Records of Clapperton's Last Expedition to Africa. In both accounts, it was established that the king of the Oyo Empire had employed the service of a group of court performers to entertain guests who had come to celebrate with him upon his seven weeks stay in Katunga.

As expounded by Joel Adedeji, these guests were entertained by one of the travelling troupes that had already started spreading their reach on Wednesday, February 22, 1826. At that time, the performance of the wooden face masked dancer called Agbegijo was dominant.

Scholars believe that the practice of ritual, festival and ancestral worship of Oranmiyan by Sango must have provided the basis for the travelling theatre, and then, the formation of the Egungun cult led by the Ologbin lineage who were adept at dancing and acrobats is believed to be yet another fundamental part of the origin.

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3. Structure: Setting, costume and performance

The Alarinjo theatre was basically characterised by its constant movement from place to place to perform skillful, entertaining display of dances, drama and worship. The people who made up this travelling troupe performed wherever they were paid to render a performance.

It was not always like this, though. Performances used to be only in the palace but as times changed, new trends were adopted and the troupe began to even perform in open places.

With regards to the costume, the Alarinjo troupe performed in the manner of the Italian Commedia dell'arte. What this means is that they repeated costumes, masks and exaggerated props till people were very familiar with the characters. It was like in the way anyone would know a Baba Suwe or Dejo Tufulu when they see one.

These costumes were also worn by those called stock characters who played the same role over and over again till the audience became very familiar with them.

The key parts of a typical performance done by the travelling troupes were dancing to well known forms like the orisa dance, the bata dance and the agemo dance. Then, there was the dramatic miming of mythological gods or characters like Sango, Obatala or the wise tortoise. Again, satirical dramas were aimed at displaying vices like gluttony, stealing, adultery and so on.

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4. Significant impacts

The traditional Alarinjo theatre influenced a lot of theatrical movements established by contemporaries in the entertainment industry. The likes of late Baba Sala and Herbert Ogunde, Duro Ladipo are classic examples of the impacts the Alarinjo theatre made. All these theatre directors had travelling troupes.

Not only did late Baba Sala start a travelling troupe that entertained people in several locations, he also maintained the stock characters and costumes that was used by the oldies. It is for this reason that the king of comedy who just passed away is known for wearing a big, frameless pair of glasses, colourful suits or native wears, an exaggerated pot-belly and a magician's hat.

Late Herbert Ogunde also followed in the same path. But occasioned by the change in trends and the influx of media and technology, he adopted newer techniques while acting as founder and head of his drama group called the Ogunde Theater.

5. Modern relevance

Despite the huge influence technology and new media innovations have had upon theatre performances and the entertainment industry as a whole, glints of what the Alarinjo theatre stood for can still be perceived.

Stand up comedians and the enactment of plays by renowned playwrights like Wole Soyinka, Femi Osofisan, Niyi Osundare, Tunde Kelani, Kunle Afolayan and a host of others have reflected the deep, resonant attributes of the Alarinjo theatre so that it can be said that what once started out as a punishment for some six transgressors of the law has turned out to be a blessing to this generation and many more generations to come.

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"alarinjo" : the traditional yoruba travelling theatre, object details.

From the Yoruba Travelling Theatre to the Nobel Prize in Literature: Nigerian Theatre in Motion

• First Online: 02 August 2023

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• Bisi Adigun 3  

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In 1986, Wole Soyinka became the first black African to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. While he writes in the English language, Soyinka’s plays are influenced by the cultural paradigms of the Yoruba people of western Nigeria, and his Yoruba tragedy aesthetics are predicated on the myth of Ogun, the Yoruba god of war and iron. Furthermore, the Yoruba metalanguages which he employs in his dramaturgy are also the hallmark of the practitioners of the Yoruba travelling theatre, such as Hubert Ogunde (1916–1990), Kola Ogunmola (1925–1973), and Duro Ladipo (1931–1978). Thus, apart from the interculturalism he experienced as an immigrant in the UK in the late 1950s, it is the foundation laid by the aforementioned practitioners upon which Soyinka has built his own aesthetics. This chapter examines how migration within and immigration to Nigeria has shaped Nigerian theatre from the era of the Yoruba travelling theatre to 1986.

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Department of Theatre, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada

Yana Meerzon

School of Drama, Film, and Music, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

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About this chapter

Adigun, B. (2023). From the Yoruba Travelling Theatre to the Nobel Prize in Literature: Nigerian Theatre in Motion. In: Meerzon, Y., Wilmer, S. (eds) The Palgrave Handbook of Theatre and Migration . Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-20196-7_33

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-20196-7_33

Published : 02 August 2023

Publisher Name : Palgrave Macmillan, Cham

Print ISBN : 978-3-031-20195-0

Online ISBN : 978-3-031-20196-7

eBook Packages : Literature, Cultural and Media Studies Literature, Cultural and Media Studies (R0)

A critical inquiry into the evolution of socio-political performances in traditional Nigeria Yoruba Alarinjo and contemporary itinerant theatre through a review of selected works of Hubert Ogunde, Wole Soyinka, Ola Rotimi and Femi Osofisan

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Preface We are particularly fascinated and glad to edit this festschrift in honour of Professor John Sani Illah. Needless to say, this festschrift has been long in coming to fruition. In fact, it has been incubating for some time now. Ab initio, the idea was to put together an episteme from a collection of scholarly articles that dwell on Nigeria's theatre and drama, not excluding, of course, discourses from the parlance of film and the arts generally. Evidentially, these articles evolved from theoretical as well as practical knowledge and engagement of the respective contributors in the various field. Thus what we have come up with is a theatre, film and art discourse from the literary to the performative as we honour one the greatest scholar of our time- Professor John Sani Illah. Further to this, what we have here in this festschrift now turns out to be much more than we bargained for. Having received many articles, we had to painfully struggle to de-select some because we did not want a voluminous book and partly because we did not want just any kind of article. So those whose articles have made it should count themselves fortunate and we are indeed grateful for all who showed interest to be a part of this project. Indeed we also applaud the extreme patience and support of all the contributors. Michael Etherton has made the point that drama has a dual existence because it configures as both literature and performance. However, we know that there is no one-to-one correspondence between the dramatic text and the performance. Nevertheless, the fact that theatre and drama occur within and between audience and communities is a twist to the mix. Along this line of reasoning, it is worth noting the fact that the landscape of Nigeria's theatre and drama is vast and varied. It is a melting point; a vaudeville; a pot-pourri of literature and performance in all ramifications. Every chapter in this festschrift seeks to deepen knowledge as it engages the reader in a thought provoking intellectual intercourse. Given these qualities there is no doubt that the book can and will add value to the reader's resources and depth of knowledge, understanding and appreciation of theatre and drama. Tor J. Iorapuu and Festus O. Idoko, Department of Theatre and Film Arts, Faculty of Arts, University of Jos Nigeria. 2019

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Suspect arrested after stabbing 4 girls at movie theater, police say

BRAINTREE, Mass. (WBZ) - A man is facing charges after allegedly stabbing four girls at a Massachusetts movie theater. Police believe he may also have been responsible for a similar incident at McDonald’s.

The attack at the movie theater happened about 6 p.m. Saturday at an AMC multiplex in Braintree, which is 12 miles south of Boston. Police say the suspect entered the theater without a ticket then suddenly attacked four girls.

The girls, who range in age from 9 to 17, were taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

“It’s so heartbreaking,” said Matteo Rojas, who was at the theater at the time of the stabbing. “That’s what I’ll be thinking about the rest of the night is seeing those kids coming down the steps and just crying. They looked really stunned, like they just saw a horror movie, not a kid’s movie.”

An AMC employee who was working the snack counter described the suspect as wearing “an oversized trench coat, sunglasses and a long blonde wig.”

After the attack, the suspect fled the scene. Police were able to obtain his license plate number from video footage and located him in Plymouth, where he was allegedly involved in a “similar assault” at a McDonald’s location.

The reported attack at McDonald’s happened around 7 p.m. Two victims, a 21-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man, were stabbed. They were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police say it appears the “crimes are related.”

The suspect led police on a car chase before crashing in the town of Sandwich. He was taken into custody and is being treated at a hospital.

Police have not released the suspect’s name nor the charges he is facing.

Sources say the suspect is believed to be linked to a murder investigation in Deep River, Connecticut. Police in the state had reportedly put out an alert for him earlier Saturday, describing him as dangerous and possibly armed with a 10-inch knife.

Copyright 2024 WBZ via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved.

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Man stabbed in loop near chicago theatre, police say.

The victim was involved in a verbal altercation with an unknown man in the 200 block of North State Street, near the Chicago Theatre, police said. About 4:30 p.m., the unknown man pulled out a sharp object and stabbed the victim in the back before fleeing the scene, police said. 

The victim was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in fair condition, police said. 

WLS-TV, whose studio sits across from the legendary theater, posted a short video on social media of an ambulance arriving on State Street, where numerous police officers gathered near the intersection with Lake Street.

Police said no suspects were in custody as detectives conducted their investigation. 

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40 Facts About Elektrostal

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 21 May 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy , materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes , offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

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Elektrostal's fascinating history, vibrant culture, and promising future make it a city worth exploring. For more captivating facts about cities around the world, discover the unique characteristics that define each city . Uncover the hidden gems of Moscow Oblast through our in-depth look at Kolomna. Lastly, dive into the rich industrial heritage of Teesside, a thriving industrial center with its own story to tell.

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Historic Bay Area movie theater gets a full renovation — and a modern twist

B RENTWOOD – Doreen Pierce Forlow remembers the distinct smell of the movies from years gone by – the freshly popped popcorn oozing with real butter, the chocolate candies and even the slightly chemical smell of the big film reels.

Forlow grew up in Brentwood’s downtown art deco-style Delta Theater, which her family bought in 1955 and owned and operated for nearly two decades. She saw all the classics — “The Ten Commandments,” “Ben-Hur,” “Hercules” and many more – and she’s anxious to see the nearly 100-year-old movie palace reopen after a four-year closure.

“There’s a whole big difference between a 50-inch screen in your house and a screen at the movie theater – a huge difference,” said Forlow, now an East Contra Costa Historical Society museum archivist. “When I see people watch movies on their phone, I go, ‘Why don’t you just watch it on a postage stamp?’ The bigger the screen, the better for me.”

Forlow will soon get her wish, as Sean McCauley and partner Ron Harrison and their crew work feverishly to restore the 1937-era movie theater at 641 First St. for a late May opening. Despite competition from other movie houses, such as the 14-screen theater at the Streets of Brentwood shopping center several miles away, local redevelopers believe the restored iconic two-screen theater will be a big draw.

“We didn’t really want to buy it, but the former owners weren’t going to put a lot of money into that particular building,” McCauley said of his 2019 purchase. “We knew it was the anchor of downtown Brentwood, and that’s the only building that brings 1,000 people a day, on a weekend, to downtown.”

But McCauley, who by himself and with Harrison, has bought and renovated some 10 buildings downtown, said refurbishing and reopening the theater makes sense “to keep the momentum” of “businesses thriving there.”

With chain and other retail stores locating elsewhere, Brentwood’s city center was “more of a ghost town” until it started to turn into “a more social area,” starting in 2016 with upscale restaurants like Zephyr’s Grill and Bar in a building he had refurbished, he said.

“The downtown district is a social district now, and we’re seeing a lot of downtown districts such as Martinez and even San Francisco, Antioch and now Brentwood, turning that way,” he said. “Back when I was a kid, it was more retail.”

McCauley, though, acknowledged the timing turned out to be tough as the COVID-19 pandemic hit shortly after he bought the theater, then-called Cinelux Delta Cinema, which was forced to close in 2020.

“We got hit with this perfect storm of of bad,” he said. “We had to do a humongous remodel, and with COVID, the city was closed down and the operator bailed.”

McCauley said that the pandemic changed movie-going and the former operator has since then “been instrumental in helping us open back up again.” Even so, McCauley and his partner decided to operate the new movie house themselves, though they did hire someone to direct the day-to-day operations.

“Netflix, Prime Video and streaming killed the theater after COVID,” he said. “The movie industry is way different than it is today. The theater business is definitely not what it was.”

McCauley, though, is optimistic that things will be different in Brentwood because of all the support he’s received so far from residents.

“The difference is we’re trying to keep our prices low, there’s that whole charm of Brentwood and the old-town charm of that particular theater,” McCauley said. “We’ve seen legitimately, like, crazy-good support from Brentwood residents.”

Tickets will range from $8 to $12, depending on the seat and whether there’s a student or senior discount, while Tuesdays — as in the past — will also be reserved for bargain-priced movies, he said.

As for renovations, McCauley said he has tried to keep “the old-town, old-school vibe of this particular theater” even as they install a variety of new, high-end vinyl reclining seats along with non-reclining ones, duet romantic seats for couples, new screens, a state-of-the-art digital sound system and all-new digital equipment. They even took over the space from an adjacent former candy store to add “beautiful, new modern bathrooms,” he said.

“We did a lot of research on what it was like, but then we put the really cool amenities that we have in theaters today,” McCauley said of the now 200-seat venue.

Perhaps the pièce de résistance, though, is the renovation of the foyer back to its open-air design and restoration of the marquee and the green “Delta” sign with neon pink lights to their 1937 splendor, which alone cost more than $100,000 and detailed work from numerous contractors, the owner said.

“Our biggest concern was just how it looked back when we were kids, back when I came here in 1970,” McCauley said. “I just wanted it to look like more the way it was originally built, so we took out that front door area that they put in in the ‘90s and we opened back up to be more original.”

Josh Caudle, hired to handle day-to-day theater operations, said he’s been impressed with McCauley’s dedication to restore the art deco theater back to its original 1930s’ look.

“If we had kept it the other way (with a closed foyer), I would have had more lobby space; I could have generated more dollars per square foot,” Caudle said, noting McCauley was more interested in authentic restoration. “I love that that was the first thing that he prioritized.”

“In terms of the entire experience, there’s going to be some nice aesthetic touches that you just don’t see anywhere else,” Caudle said.

Gold curtains also have been added to the theater’s stage, which will also be available for fundraisers, comedy shows, theatrical events and talks by local film celebrities, he said.

“Well just try a lot of different stuff,” Caudle said. “Basically, it’s not just movies anymore.”

In the early days, that was also the case, Forlow said. Her mother, Rose Pierce, a Spanish speaker, made sure she included Mexican films and entertainment. She remembers mariachi groups and other Mexican entertainers performing at the Delta, including the immensely popular film star Cantinflas and exotic dancer Tonga Lilly.

“We had a lot of farm laborers back then and we catered to their entertainment,” she said.

In the 1950s, The Great Toussaint, a master hypnotist and magician entertained there. Forlow claimed that her father had to call him back from Stockton after a show when he found a woman still hypnotized in the back of the dark theater at the end of the night.

Though the new Delta Theater doesn’t have magic or hypnotist shows planned, it might seem like a step back in time for theatergoers when they watch some of the decades-old cartoons  — including the original Superman series — Caudle has planned before the movies and during the Saturday farmers markets.

And, then there’s the food, which will have a modern touch, with items such as homemade pizza, panini sandwiches, pretzels and at least a handful of gourmet items on the menu, McCauley said. Anthony Roost of Attraversiamo, a Brentwood farm-to-table restaurant, is designing the locally sourced menu, he said. Wine and beer – all of it local – also will be served, he said.

Of course, there will be popcorn. Caudle said it will be prepared in a high-end popping machine with a tumbler to evenly coat the kernels with hot butter in a variety of flavors, including red-hot Ghost Pepper Popcorn.

“We’re really not going cheap on anything in there,” McCauley said of the $15,000 popcorn machine.

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