As the Varsity Theatre fights to preserve its place on Franklin Street as an accessible and historic asset to the town, it deserves the continued engagement of students and community members as well as their immediate support.
The fundraiser, “Go Digital or Go Dark,” has already raised more than $47,000 of its $50,000 goal, using appeals to the theater’s historic value.
But that history must be critically examined to determine the direction the theater should take. In its earlier years, the Varsity showed a variety of films from different genres and perspectives, comparable to the independent content shown at the competing Chelsea Theater.
It suffered financially, as many independent theaters have. In 2009, the Varsity was purchased by current owners Paul and Susan Shareshian. The two made several managerial changes, specifically by introducing $3 tickets and showing more mainstream titles.
At that time, it was not the community’s place to ask for a change in the venue’s business model, and it is understandable that the theater’s owners would choose to show proven box office draws to ensure the financial security of the venue. But any cultural center has a responsibility to promote independent thought in cinema that may not be as economically fruitful.
In turn, if the Varsity should take such a risk, members of this community have a responsibility to support that mission with their wallets.
