Hedgerow Theatre Company

==Hedgerow Theatre Company== The Hedgerow Theatre Company, founded in 1923 by Jasper Deeter, is a historic and influential resident repertory theatre located in Rose Valley, Pennsylvania. Over its century-long existence, Hedgerow has become a prominent cultural institution, attracting a multitude of national theatre artists such as Richard Basehart, Edward Albee, Ann Harding, Susan Glaspell, Keanu Reeves, and Austin Pendleton. In its 100th season, the theatre welcomed the legendary David Shiner as a performer and co-director. ===Origins and Arts and Crafts Movement=== The Hedgerow Theatre Company's origins are closely tied to the Rose Valley Arts and Crafts Movement, an initiative that stood against the tide of industrialization and promoted independent thought and creativity. Jasper Deeter, inspired by this movement and after witnessing a performance at Guild Hall, decided to establish an independent theatre in the same venue. His vision was to create a space that would serve as a beacon for artists and resist the commercial pressures of the time. This decision marked the beginning of the regional not-for-profit theatre movement in the United States. ===Theatre's Impact and Legacy=== Hedgerow quickly established itself as a sanctuary for avant-garde artists of the early 20th century, earning both national and international acclaim. The theatre was instrumental in the careers of many influential playwrights and actors, including Eugene O'Neill, Henrik Ibsen, Lynn Riggs, Langston Hughes, George Bernard Shaw, Sean O’Casey, Theodore Dreiser, Bertolt Brecht, and Wharton Esherick. Notably, Shaw and O'Neill allowed their plays to be performed royalty-free at Hedgerow. Langston Hughes honed his playwriting skills under Jasper Deeter's tutelage, writing his play "Mulatto" at Hedgerow in the summer of 1928. Bella Spewack, who would go on to write "Kiss Me Kate," started her career at Hedgerow under the name Bella Cohen. Lynn Riggs's plays, including "Green Grow the Lilacs," which later became the musical "OKLAHOMA," premiered at Hedgerow. The theatre also saw the works of playwright Christopher Fry and performances by Robert Earl Jones, father of James Earl Jones. The influence of Hedgerow Theatre Company extends beyond its own stage, as it is recognized as the "mother of all Philadelphia theatres" due to the numerous theatre companies founded by artists who started or developed their careers at Hedgerow. These offshoots include People’s Light, Freedom Theatre (now New Freedom Theatre), The Theatre of the Living Arts (TLA), and Curio Theatre Company. ===Continued Excellence and Community Support=== Hedgerow Theatre Company's longevity and success can be attributed to the collective efforts of its artists, students, patrons, donors, community partners, volunteer board members, and staff. The company continues to produce bold works in its intimate space, fostering a spirit of inclusion and artistic excellence. Irish dramatist Seán O’Casey (1888-1964) once celebrated the theatre's enduring legacy alongside other iconic institutions, saying, "Long live the Abbey Theatre, long live the Moscow Arts Theatre, and long live the Hedgerow Theatre in the state of Pennsylvania." As the Hedgerow Theatre Company moves forward, it remains a testament to the power of community and the arts, honoring its rich history while looking towards the future with ongoing performances, educational programs, and community engagement.