This page is about a "must see" landmark and the remarkable
woman who is behind it. This story has nothing to do with
FREE campgrounds although it comes close.
More about that later.
In the summer of 1968, Marta Becket started this
Opera House in an old building in Death Valley Junction, CA.
that had once housed a large office complex of U.S. Borax,
close to where Routes 127 and 190 come together.
It must have been an immense undertaking and only her
perseverance made this building into what it is now. Veranda
After having been given world wide exposure, her story
has been featured in The National Geographic, Life Magazine
and in several television programs and an Oscar-nominated documentary. It has come to the point that it is now
recommended to make reservations to catch one of her ballet
performances which she gives during the fall, winter and spring
months only.
Billboard (Price now $15.00)
October through May there is one performance per week on Saturdays.
Doors open at 7:45 and curtain is at 8:15 p.m. sharp.
To use Ms. Becket's own words: "the 8:15 curtain waits for no one!"
Come early because on the nights that I was there I saw quite a
few people standing in line outside, ready to snap up the tickets
of the no-shows.
Large groups can arrange for a special tour of the Opera House or
a performance by writing at least a month ahead of time.
Entrance Doors
Make reservations by calling (760) 852-4441 or Fax (760) 852-4138.
Dining Room
Aside from the Opera House there is an art gallery (only open right after
each performance), a motel and a dining room. The walls in the dining
room are lavishly decorated with murals painted by this multi-talented
artist. So are the walls of the theatre. According to a story that I read in
the Smithsonian Magazine, Jan. 1996 issue, the murals goth their start
because of the lack of an audience in the early beginnings.
One of the many murals that
you'll find in the dining room
and throughout the building.
Read MARTA BECKET'S story as she tells it and another most
interesting story with lots of photographs by David A. Wright
Selfportrait
Yours truly reflected
in one of the many
beautiful windows.
Bring a camera and lots of film, there is a picture
in every nook and cranny of this landmark.
On one of my visits while taking some photographs,
I literally bumped into Marta rushing by me.
When i asked: "What's the hurry?" she told me that
she was on her way to feed "her" wild horses.
It was a sight that I'll never forget; here were these
large, shy animals, completely trusting this slender
woman while taking the food she gave them.
CAMPGROUND
You can hardly call it a campground, it's just an open field,
but for a paltry two dollar donation you're allowed
to dry camp for the night. No hook-ups, just a place to sleep.
Hidden behind a row of Salt Cedar trees at the far edge
of the campground lies the suprise of your life.
A beautiful lake that I have given the name of............
you guessed it: "Lake Beautiful Surprise!"
Lake Beautiful Surprise
SOME USEFUL INFORMATION:
Mailing address:
Armagosa Opera House
Post Office Box 8
Death Valley Junction, CA.
92328
