Why Is The ETH Theater

Just For Kids?

To the Editor:

I had the pleasure of enjoying a movie with my wife Sheri at our local theatre — not just the movie, the experience itself. An affordable ticket, a wonderful venue with a scent of history and a decent projection and sound system. It was great. The alternative in Danbury can cost you as much as a dinner out.

In the dimmed light preceding the show I sat back in my seat and in my mind. Memories started flowing. Of my childhood in a little village near Genoa in Italy called Bogliasco.

We also had our own little local theatre although it was nothing compared to the beautiful Edmund Town Hall. It was small, smelly, and cheap. And we loved it. Not only for the films, but also for opportunities for romance and sin that arise so naturally in teenage hearts in the darkness. The place was packed with kids every afternoon. And with adults every night. An entrepreneurial mind came up with the idea of offering double programming. A movie in the afternoon for the kids and one in the evening for the adults.

I can’t help noticing that our theatre in Newtown privileges uniquely kids-oriented features. In recent months, you would have a hard time finding a movie you would have loved with your wife or husband. It’s only kids stuff.

While I understand and value in offering kids movies — hey it’s better to have them in the theatre than in a home without parents drinking alcohol and doing drugs — I don’t understand why the cultural thirst of grown-ups is completely disregarded. In a town overpopulated with youth, where taxes increase steadily because of the need to support it, Newtown is starting to smell like a gigantic kindergarten of some sort.

We live in a town where there is not much social opportunity, not even a place to meet unless you have a tongue for over-roasted coffee and false Italian sounding names. The weather is infamous and so is the economy. Why have a local theatre that is rated R17+, which means if you are over 17 forget it, there is nothing there you want to see.

So please, give us back our theatre. Consider slating double programming at least for a trial period. Like any other business, it has to make sense economically or it becomes a charity operation. And while you are at it, why not issue prepurchased ten shows cards. You will be able to cash in advance and even invest that money in municipal bonds giving the administration another chance to waste it on raised walkways that don’t last more than a month!

Consider the advantages. You would fertilize culture, you would stop the buck in Newtown, and you would stimulate a community spirit. Who knows, maybe even Starbucks may decide to open up a WIFI café at Edmund Town Hall.

Thank you in advance for considering my suggestion the very best of luck to you and your business for a prosperous 2009.

Claudio Basso

1 Summit Road, Newtown                                        January 20, 2009