A Discovery at The Forum
Hello community!
Once a month the Forum History Team meets to be engaged in a presentation about Bronzeville and discuss movement that’s occurring at The Forum. Our July meeting was in person at The Forum for a special unveiling of scenic backdrops that were found in the attic of the historical building. Three years ago, as we were preparing to rebuild the main roof of The Forum, we discovered 7 long rolls of fabric in the attic. After opening one roll, we found what we believe is a very fragile scenic stage backdrop that was probably placed there more than 50 years ago, before Forum Hall closed down, and hadn't been seen since. Friends, after unrolling the last drop it’s safe to say:
“We discovered a once-in-a-lifetime find.”
That is how one of our scenic art experts described our finding of what appears to be The Forum’s 1897 Opening Day scenic backdrop - a scene of the Roman Forum - as the eight of what we thought were just seven historic rolls unrolled. This backdrop was produced by none other than "Sosman and Landis", the preeminent Chicago scenic design company of theater's Golden Era.
For our team, it was all that and much more: a canvas that told a story of connection, resilience, and leadership of Black Belt residents, as gracefully dressed and forward-looking Black visitors looking to the horizon and surely absent from the 1897 image, were added to white counterparts in the scene.
After the initial shock and moments of silence, the Forum Team shared what this finding meant to us and Bronzeville. To me, it represents intentionality and “Us EVERYWHERE”. The residents of Bronzeville can be seen anywhere from King Dr. to The Roman Forum. Period.
Check out these photos from the scenic backdrop unveiling at The Forum. An original backdrop created by “Sosman & Landis” was discovered.
