The Mayan Theatre is celebrating its 100th anniversary. For a century, the DTLA theatre has been a memorable center of entertainment.
How it All Began
One of the most unique aspects of this location is its revival-style architecture.
The theatre was built by Edward Doheny and designed by the architecture firm Morgan, Walls and Clements. Sculptor Francisco Cornejo had a deep love for his Mexican heritage. He incorporated this passion into the creation of a facade full of pre-Columbian hieroglyphics, inscriptions, serpent heads, and warrior statues – all carved in stone.
Once you’re inside the hall, foyer, or auditorium, you cannot help but stand in awe of the unique and intricate architectural designs. On opening, the auditorium could seat 1491 people, with half on the ground level and half in the balcony. Patrons would throng to catch the musical comedies and other live shows. Marilyn Monroe is believed to have performed here in her younger days. The first Mayan show was called “Oh Kay!” and it belonged to the genre of musical comedies. The show ran for 3 months.
The Mayan is a stand out heritage building that has been carefully preserved so that future generations can stay connected with their rich cultural past.
In 1941, the Mayan came to the limelight for the “Jump for Joy” show by Duke Ellington. The show had a straight 9-week run. The musical was critically acclaimed. And the female lead in the musical, Dorothy Dandridge, went on to become a successful Hollywood actress nominated for an Academy award. However, the theatre was playing the show to integrated audiences. This made the Mayan the source of an immense stir during a strained time in American History.
While a great deal of DTLA venues were still segregated, the Mayan’s showing of “Jump for Joy” caused it to became a venue known for promoting cultural unity and integration. The theatre continued to support inclusion when it began screening movies in Spanish after being purchased by Francisco Fouce in 1947. The Mayan was truly ahead of its time.
Theatrical Evolution
Ownership of the Mayan has changed hands throughout the years, and so has its purpose. Fouce sold the Mayan to Carlos Tobalina in 1968. It was used as a movie location for many Hollywood films such as “Save-the-Tiger,” “Rock-‘n-Roll High-School,” “The Bodyguard,” and others. In 1989, Sammy Chao took the theatre on lease and remodeled it into a nightclub. However, during all of this transition, the remarkable architecture of the building was preserved. The venue has been formally declared as a cultural heritage site and is a sought-after tourist destination for DTLA.
Upcoming Events
Cultural unity has certainly not ended at the Mayan. Until today, the venue continues to incorporate a wide array of shows and events from international artists. This month is no exception! On Tuesday, September 18, 2018, The Mayan will be hosting the Tizzy T “Nocturnal Zoo” North America Tour 2018 – L.A. This rising talent is a Chinese hip-hop star with a tour that is just now hitting North America for the very first time! Tizzy T is a versatile 24-year-old who became wildly popular through The Rap of China competition show. His live shows have been described as exciting and infectious, and his fanbase is steadily attracted to his amazing talent. Music enthusiasts get to enjoy this performance right here in DTLA.
But The Mayan doesn’t stop at Chinese hip-hop when it comes to including diverse cultural talent! Cumbia lovers everywhere will be flocking to the venue when it hosts La Sonora Dinamita on Friday, October 12, 2018. This Colombian group is famous for playing music in the Latin and South American genre. It is no surprise that The Mayan has opened its doors in order to host one of the very first Cumbia groups to ever reach stardom on an international scale. La Sonora Dinamita has made the cumbia genre incredibly popular throughout the world, and they’ll be performing right here in DTLA!
100 Years and Counting
In harmony with their history of cultural unity, the Mayan is still hosting diverse artists! From Duke Ellington to Tizzy T, this historical venue has contributed to a rich legacy of cultural unity in DTLA entertainment. A trip to Los Angeles is incomplete without pausing to appreciate the Mayan. The venue is home to some of the most amazing audio-visual equipment on the market. With stunning architecture that is just as colorful as its history, both visitors and locals in DTLA can recognize the 100 years of heritage represented by the Mayan. Stay connected for more info on upcoming anniversary events: www.clubmayan.com
