Why updating the Castro Theatre matters to me
San Francisco drag queen Donna Sachet writes passionately in favor of renovating our beloved space in the heart of The City’s LGBTQ+ neighborhood
By Donna Sachet
I’ve always said to those who claim they are not political that sitting on the sidelines is a political act. So when it comes to the future of the 100-year-old Castro Theatre, we should all be informed, engaged, and vocal, especially those of us who call the Castro home.
When people call the Castro Theatre their temple, I get it. I’ve attended screenings during the internationally known and respected Frameline Film Festival, celebrated the holidays with a packed house on Christmas Eve with the SF Gay Men’s Chorus (both on stage and in the audience), met Debbie Reynolds, Ann Miller, Ann Blyth, Kim Novak, and others at Mark Huestis productions honoring these stars, remembered Gilbert Baker, the creator of the rainbow flag, at his memorial, dressed to the nines for the world premiere of the award-winning film MILK, and enjoyed comedy, music, drag, and other forms of entertainment there over the past three decades. I was even the target of “The Roast of Donna Sachet” there in 2018, thanks to Peaches Christ and Heklina.
Beyond all the arguments, meetings, and posturing over the recent proposals by Another Planet Entertainment (APE), one thing has become abundantly clear: The Castro Theatre is a beloved and iconic building, rightfully designated a historic place by the Historic Preservation Commission, and no one wants to see it close. But the ongoing controversy over APE’s management contract has called many in the community to action and, unfortunately, caused months of delays, a darkened theatre, and disagreement between friends.
Although there are many issues at hand, it seems to me that we currently find one side mistrusting APE, vehemently committed to keeping this venue purely as a movie showplace, and coming dangerously close to threatening the future of the building in any form. I have tried to keep up with the arguments on both sides, but I have definitely planted my flag on the side of moving forward with APE’s plans.
If you’ve been following this discussion, you probably first became aware of a large group of locals opposed to APE when they unveiled plans to remove a number of seats on the main floor in order to accommodate events of different kinds. Dedicated movie fans voiced concerns over the loss of the true movie viewing experience, particularly sight-lines and a feeling of camaraderie with other attendees, while others noted the diminishing film audiences, closing of single movie theaters, and fatality of a venue limited to one kind of event.
Suddenly, the slogan became “Save the Seats!” After some hand-wringing by APE, already having committed to spend $15 million in structural repairs, interior and exterior renovation, ADA accessibility, back-stage improvements, and more, presented a plan to install a motorized system to create a raked floor where removable seats could be installed for film showings.
All this would come at considerable additional expense. A snazzy video demonstrated the concept and proved that sight-lines would be the same or better. But over the course of months, any alteration of the seating arrangement became the single biggest issue dividing supporters and opponents.
As I have said many times, I don’t believe that any of the many wonderful experiences I’ve had at the Castro Theatre was dependent on the seating arrangement. Frankly, I find the steeply raked floor dangerous when entering in heels and the lumpy seats uncomfortable at best. But the bigger issue is why has this become the primary impediment to any compromise? Are we really willing to ignore APE’s many planned improvements, but solely focused on a seating change?
If this proposed change will make it possible for APE to book different kinds of events, like comedy shows, concerts with headliners, private and community parties, in addition to film, why not embrace it? If the carefully researched plans that APE has for the Castro Theatre rely heavily on creating a more versatile seating arrangement, are we not jeopardizing the vitality of this iconic building, its future viability, and the undeniable contribution it makes to the Castro neighborhood and the entire city?
This week’s Land Use Commission meeting seemed to be pivotal, so hundreds of concerned citizens packed the chamber and many others phoned in. The vote was whether to add an amendment to the protection of the historic character of the interior of the Castro Theatre to specifically include raked orchestral seating in classic movie style. If you’ve ever attended one of the these meetings, you know that it involves a major time commitment and most of that time is spent waiting, listening, and questioning the process. Monday’s meeting was particularly puzzling in that after hours of citizen statements and a brief suggestion from the District 8 Supervisor that the amendment should be voted down, Board President Aaron Peskin shifted the discussion away from the suitability or need for this amendment to the business tactics, sincerity, and legal contact fulfillment of APE at Bill Graham Auditorium.
For many of us, this came way out of left field. For those mistrustful of APE to begin with, it became fodder for their thoughts. For others, it was a clear distraction from the issue at hand. The vote was finally taken and the amendment remains by a vote of 2 to 1.
As anyone who is familiar with San Francisco government knows that this is not the end. For technical reasons, the same Land Use Commission must vote again next week to finalize their action and then the full Board of Supervisors must vote on whether to accept the recommendation of this commission, thereby locking in the current seating configuration.
So, as the arguments continue, I challenge you to examine the facts, consider the sources of information, and question the motivation of some players. And then, let your feelings be known. This is, at the most basic level, what democracy is all about. As for me, I would like to see the Castro Theatre continue to provide wonderful experiences to future generations. And only with care and some improvements, will it remain the landmark that it is.
Donna Sachet is a drag activist, entertainer, and fundraiser.
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