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Playwright Maryat Lee, lived on a farm near Hinton, Summers County, W. Va. that also served as the home of EcoTheater.  She later moved to Lewisburg, W. Va. and continued teaching her theater methods there.Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

1. Maryat Lee working in a studio

Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

2. Maryat Lee's mother, Grace Dyer Lee

Maryat Lee and a group sit outside on the street likely in New York.Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

3. Maryat Lee and others sitting on a car in New York

Young Maryat Lee, seated far right, with her father, seated in the center of the bottom row, and the Lamberts.Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

4. Group portrait of Maryat Lee, her father, Dewitt Collins Lee, and friends

Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

5. Young Maryat Lee

When playwright Maryat Lee moved to West Virginia, she first lived near Hinton, Summers County, W. Va. where she founded EcoTheater.  She later moved to Lewisburg, W. Va. in 1984 where she continued to teach her community theater methods.Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

6. Maryat Lee in West Virginia

EcoTheater actors Benny Allen, Charlie Haywood, Kathy Jackson, and K. Davis, perform in the play "John Henry" by Maryat Lee in Summers County, W. Va.Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

7. EcoTheater performance of Maryat Lee's play "John Henry" likely in Hinton, W. Va.

Pictured from left to right: Lee's mother Grace Dyer Lee, Maryat Lee (approximate age 55), Lee's brother Robert E. "Buzz" Lee (approximate age 58), and Lee's oldest brother John Lee (approximate age close to 60).  The Lee family is likely gathered at Maryat Lee's home, the "Women's Farm" near Hinton, W. Va.Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

8. 90th Birthday of Maryat Lee's Mother, Grace Dyer Lee likely in W. Va.

Maryat Lee, left, with actor and social activist Ossie Davis who visited EcoTheater in Hinton, W. Va. as a visiting artist. Guest scholars frequently visited EcoTheater and took part in discussions.Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

9. Maryat Lee and EcoTheater guest artist Ossie Davis in Hinton, W. Va.

"John Henry being triumphantly born away.  Governor's Summer Youth performers in EcoTheater."  This scene is from the play "John Henry: A Drama with Music" by Maryat Lee.  The Governor's Summer Youth include Kathy Jackson who performed as John Henry (Jackson is wearing overalls in the background.)Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

10. Scene from the play "John Henry" by Maryat Lee in Summers County, W. Va.

"EcoTheater, indigenous grass roots theater, performs the original play, "Ole Miz Dacey," by Maryat Lee, starring Jim Costa as Miz Dacey.  Members of the cast are young people from Summers County, in the Governor's Summer Youth Program."EcoTheater performed in state parks and other outdoor locations in Southern West Virginia using their mobile stage made from an old farm wagon.Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

11. EcoTheater Performance of the play "Ole Miz Dacey" by Maryat Lee at Pipestem State Park, W. Va.

Kathy Jackson was a member of the Governor's Summer Youth Program and an actress in the EcoTheater group.  She played John Henry in a number of performances of the play "John Henry" by Maryat Lee.  She remained involved with EcoTheater for more than eleven years and continued for some time after Maryat Lee's death.Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

12. EcoTheater actress Kathy Jackson likely in Hinton, W. Va.

Maryat Lee lived on her farm near Hinton, W. Va. in Summers County from 1970 until 1984 when she moved to Lewisburg, W. Va.  She called her farm near Hinton "The Women's Farm" and it also served as the home of EcoTheater.Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

13. Maryat Lee on her farm near Hinton, W. Va.

Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

14. Portrait of Maryat Lee in Hinton, W. Va.

While living near Hinton, W. Va. Maryat Lee made her home on her Powley's Creek farm which she named "The Women's Farm."Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

15. Maryat Lee in a barn in Hinton, W. Va.

While living in Hinton, W. Va. Maryat Lee made her home on her Powley's Creek farm which she named "The Women's Farm."  This location also served as a base for EcoTheater.Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

16. Maryat Lee working in a studio likely in Hinton, W. Va.

Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

17. Soul and Latin Theater performance of the play "After the Fashion Show" by Maryat Lee, Jose Colon acting as the son in the play, N.Y.C.

Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

18. Soul and Latin Theater Actor, Jose Colon, in a scene from "After the Fashion Show" by Maryat Lee, N.Y.C.

The Soul and Latin Theater was a street theater group in Harlem that performed plays dealing with cultural issues of the 1960s that were also related to the lives of the actors.Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

19. Soul and Latin Theater actress Ana Lopez in the foreground

Maryat Lee, seated in a chair on the left, in her friend Bonnie's dorm room at Wellesley College.  Lee graduated from Wellesley in 1945 with a degree in religious studies.  She later studied at Columbia University and Union Theological Seminary in New York City.Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

20. Maryat Lee with friends at Wellesley College

Group Portrait of Maryat Lee's family. Left to right: Maryat's father, Dewitt Collins Lee, her Robert E. "Buzz" Lee, her Mother Grace Dyer Lee, Maryat, and her oldest brother, John Lee.Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

21. Family Portrait of Lee Family at Home of D.C. Lee, Emerson Road

Performance of EcoTheater Company at Sandell Farm in Union, W. Va.  The stage used by EcoTheater was made from a farm wagon that was transformed into a mobile stage and that could be ready for a performance quickly.  EcoTheater performed at a number of outdoor venues such as state parks.Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

22. EcoTheater Performance at Sandell Farm, Union, W. Va.

EcoTheater, Inc. Powleys Creek, Hinton W. Va. postcard designed by Fran Belin.Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

23. EcoTheater, Inc. postcard featureing a scene from Maryat Lee's play "John Henry"

In this performance of "John Henry" the Governor's Summer Youth Program participants are the actors. The three actors in the fight were neighbors of Maryat Lee's at Powley Creek near Hinton, W. Va.. Their names were Randy and Mike Buckland, and Benny Allen.Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

24. Performance of Maryat Lee's play "John Henry" in Summers County, W. Va.

A scene in the play "John Henry" by Maryat Lee showing the 1920's and "laying track at second Big Bend Tunnel."Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

25. Scene in Maryat Lee's play "John Henry" showing laying railroad tracks, performed in W. Va.

Harlem audience watching "DOPE!" by Maryat Lee.  In this scene the audience sees the characters of addict Louie (played by Michael Suner) and Porse the pusher (played by Carlo Mitton).Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

26. Harlem audience watching "Dope!" by Maryat Lee performed by the Soul and Latin Theater in N.Y.

In the play, "DOPE!" by Maryat Lee, Celee (Ana Lopez) sister to Louie (Michael Suner) is showing ambivalence in the dream scene performed by the Soul and Latin Theater.Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

27. Actress Ana Lopez in Soul and Latin Theater performance of "DOPE!" by Maryat Lee

The Soul and Latin Theater was a street theater group in Harlem that performed plays dealing with cultural issues of the 1960s that were also related to the lives of the actors. The participants of SALT performed all duties associated with the theater including the set up of the stage, lights, sound, etc...  Tony Vasquez eventually played the character of a drug addict in Maryat Lee's play "DOPE!"Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

28. Soul and Latin Theater actor, Tony Vasquez operating the sound or (as Sound Technician) in N.Y.C.

The Soul and Latin Theater group.  Bottom row from left: Jose Colon, Gwendolyn Braddock, Maria Gonzales, Norma Acevedo, Jose Mojica; Middle row: Maryat Lee, Maggie Camacho, Lucky Figueroa; Top row: Esteban Seaton.The Soul and Latin Theater was a street theater group in Harlem that performed plays dealing with cultural issues of the 1960s that were also related to the lives of the actors.Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

29. Maryat Lee and the Soul and Latin Theater Actors

Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

30. Maryat Lee and her brother Robert E. "Buzz" Lee at Christmas

Portrait of Maryat Lee and her family at Christmas. Pictured left to right are her father, Dewitt Collins Lee, her brother Robert E. "Buzz" Lee holding hands with Maryat, and her oldest brother John Lee holding hands with her mother Grace Dyer Lee.Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

31. Family Portrait of Maryat Lee and her Family at Christmas

Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

32. Maryat Lee age 14 and brother Robert E. "Buzz" Lee age 17 standing on a beach

Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

33. Maryat Lee

Maryat Lee (born Mary Attaway Lee; May 26, 1923 – September 18, 1989) was an American playwright and theatre director who made important contributions to post-World War II avant-garde theatre.  She pioneered street theatre in Harlem, and later founded EcoTheater in West Virginia, a community based theater project.Early in her career, Lee wrote and produced plays in New York City, including the street play “DOPE!”  While in New York she also formed the Soul and Latin Theater (SALT), and wrote plays centered around the lives of the actors in the group.In 1970 Lee moved to West Virginia and formed the community theater group EcoTheater in 1975.  Beginning with local teenagers from the Governor’s Summer Youth Program, the rural theater group grew, and produced plays based on oral histories collected from the local community.  Each performance of an EcoTheater play involved audience participation and discussion.  With the assistance of the Humanities Foundation of West Virginia, guest scholars became a part of EcoTheater.

34. Maryat Lee