Ballroom Marfa Imagines a Drive-In Theater

On a spring 2012 road trip in the American Southwest, we drive through the desert to Marfa, home of the Chinati Foundation, a museum designed by artist Donald Judd to present art in conversation with the surrounding landscape. We stop to explore Ballroom Marfa, where then director Fairfax Dorn and project manager Melissa McDonnell sit down with us to talk about the genesis of the contemporary art space. Architect Michael Meredith meets us at an outdoor cafe to share his perspective on how a drive-in theater might come to life in this remote setting.

Sound Editor: Leo Madriz

Special Audio: Brian LeBarton, The Wind, 2010. New Year’s Film/Score Series. January 2, 2010. Courtesy Ballroom Marfa

Related Episode: CineMarfa 2012

Related Links: Marfa, Texas, Chinati Foundation, Donald Judd, Ballroom Marfa, Fairfax Dorn, Melissa McDonnell, Michael Meredith

On a Spring 2012 road trip in the American Southwest, Cathy Byrd meets members of Ballroom Marfa’s creative team. Director Fairfax Dorn, project manager Melissa McDonnell, and architect Michael Meredith talk about why Ballroom came to West Texas and what they envision for Marfa's near future Drive-In theater. Sound Editor: Leo Madriz Photography credits as noted Episode Sound: Brian LeBarton, The Wind, 2010. New Year’s Film/Score Series. January 2, 2010. The Crowley Theater, Marfa.