Will geer theatricum botanicum

Theater in Topanga, California, U.S.

The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum is an open-air theater in Topanga Canyon, Los Angeles County, California.

It was founded in 1973 by American actor Will Geer and is still owned and operated by his family.^[1] It is named after the English botanist John Parkinson's 1640 herbalTheatrum Botanicum.

Set in the natural amphitheater of a mountain canyon, the Theatricum Botanicum is traditionally used for performances of William Shakespeare's plays, as well as modern plays and music concerts.

Will geer theatricum botanicum

The ashes of Geer and his former wife Herta Ware are at the site along with a bust in Geer's likeness.

History

The Theatricum Botanicum originated in the early 1950s, when Will Geer was blacklisted for refusing to testify before the House Committee on Un-American Activities.

Unable to find work in Hollywood, he sold his house in Santa Monica and moved to Topanga Canyon, where he began selling produce and opened a thea