Roman Drama

“A Classic Conflict” (Nov. 1 ) by Nicolai Ouroussoff misses the point. The private museum open to the public and known as the Getty villa began as an addition to the Getty family home located in an established residential area. The private museum was opened to the public without an environmental permit. Nevertheless, the neighborhoods accepted the private/public museum with its 400,000 visitors annually.

Most of us love the charming Getty villa. We are not opposing two-thirds of the proposal--upgrading to current code requirements and interior construction for exhibits. However, if the 5,000-square-foot, 600-seat (950 possible) Roman theater is the “key” to the proposed expansion, this signals the end of the villa “as a place of serene contemplation.”

Why is the Getty Trust even proposing an outdoor amphitheater in the canyon below the residential areas? Over the 24 years the villa has been open, noise from outdoor performances has disturbed their neighbors. The noise is not imaginary; it has been documented.

If the Getty Trust wants the support of the neighbors and the community, there is an obvious solution. The new 10,000-square-foot auditorium could enter the age of visual reality with the latest high-tech audio-visual equipment. With the flip of a switch, people of all ages could be transported to ancient Greece, Rome or any country or time without the intrusion of sirens or airplanes. Notions of taste, gentility and decorum could be served while the neighborhoods would be preserved.

SHIRLEY HAGGSTROM

Pacific Palisades

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Ouroussoff’s commentary rightly pointed to the importance of the proposed outdoor classical theater to the development of the site, reconfigured to enhance the study and enjoyment of the culture of Greco-Roman antiquity. Ordinarily, one has to travel to the domains of the former Roman Empire to experience classical theater in its original setting. As a resident of Pacific Palisades, I am delighted at the prospect of being able to attend the tragedies of Euripides and the comedies of Aristophanes in a setting that simulates the original.

At the public hearings, some neighbors have expressed concern about noise and have likened the effects to the Hollywood Bowl and the Greek Theatre. It must be recognized that dialogue spoken by actors and Greek chorus accompanied by a pan flute in the classical theater cannot be compared to the amplified sound of an orchestra or rock band.

The renovated villa, with its classical theater, will add luster to the cultural life of Los Angeles.

KIRSTEN J. GRIMSTAD

Pacific Palisades