Historian Matías Bombal leads a behind-the-scenes tour of the Orinda Theatre, revealing hidden details, restored murals, and stories of civic pride that make this local landmark a true treasure.
As anyone who reads my regular column knows, I always close by urging you to “veer towards those wonderful images made from light and sound, for that’s where the reel magic lies.” As heartfelt as that sentiment is, I would be downright neglectful were I to limit that strictly to what is being shown on the screen, especially when it comes to the Orinda Theatre.
I don’t have to convince anyone who has been to the Orinda Theatre just how wonderful and beautiful a theater it is. It’s a landmark in every way, and to anyone who is paying attention, they can plainly see this.
Indeed, I have devoted a fair number of words extolling its virtues, but just because you note how unique and singular the Orinda is, does not mean you know the whole story.
Thankfully, in the Orinda’s case, such a deficit can be easily remedied.
I recently had the privilege of going on a tour of the Orinda Theatre, curated by renowned historian (and natty dresser) Matías Bombal. Starting at the outside of the theater, we were given a glimpse of what the surrounding environs looked like back then, along with the whys and wherefores that explain the theater’s origin. Anecdotes, both humorous and significant, abounded with tales of land ownership, civic pride and the desire to put Orinda on the map.
Moving into the lobby, we learned more intimate details about the actual building of the theater, including a harrowing true story about the phonebooth, now non-operational yet always occupied.
Our attention was also directed at the many details above us and under our feet – details that many who go to the Orinda ofttimes overlook or take for granted. There’s even time taken to show the details of the women’s washroom, the clearest indication that this theater was built for a more civilized time.
Bombal then takes us through all three showrooms.
It is the main one that amazes the most with its restored murals and hidden details. In a way, though darkness is all but required for cinema showrooms, it is a shame more light is not provided pre- and post-showing, so the audience can better see all the beauty surrounding them, as well as being able to take in all the work that went into restoring it.
Even the other showrooms have a story, not the least of which pertains to the murals in the next largest theatre, which were imported, or, the smallest venue, which used to be an alleyway. And these are only a small samplings of the many tales associated with the Orinda Theatre.
All in all, I highly recommend gathering there on the last Sunday of any given month at 11 a.m., if for no other reason than to remind ourselves how lucky we are to have such a treasure in our midst. And even better, admission is free.
