COMMENTARY ON THE “MOVIE THEATER” AT BEOWULF ALLEY THEATRE
By Chuck Graham
Let the Show Begin
tucsonstage.com
Hey, this actually works!
Setting a precedent for Tucson theater companies, Beowulf Alley Theatre downtown is now a movie theater as well. Not wanting to see the theater auditorium sit empty so many nights of the year, those industrious townies decided to install some digital projection equipment and an exceptionally large drop-down screen.
The idea is to give local movie makers a showcase for their work. Teaming up with the Independent Film Association of Southern Arizona, a Tucson-based organization dedicated to making and promoting independent film, Beowulf Alley had a low-key debut that was a huge success in terms of providing a first-class movie-going experience.
Presenting “Flicker,” an indie project by Aaron Hendren of Albuquerque, everything felt very professional. The film’s sound was clean and clear. The picture was big and bright. The seats at Beowulf Alley actually came from a movie theater, anyway, so the whole experience felt like being at the movies.
Or maybe more like one of those private screening rooms that film studio executives prefer. The theater and IFASA are planning on monthly film events together. With a seating capacity of 95, packed houses for independent films should become a common event.
Watch this space for news about upcoming film screenings at Beowulf Alley, the theater that dares to go both ways.
