it's all going to be OK
Ease up on the indie angst: Aurora Picture Show isn't going anywhere
- The Aurora Picture Show's former site is up for sale.Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau
- The Aurora Picture Show's new location
The indie art world has been set afire by a Monday blog post on Swamplot, which many have interpreted as a declaration of the shuttering of the beloved Aurora Picture Show. Have no fear - the microcinema is here to stay.
"The Swamplot post has nothing to do with Aurora," explains the nonprofit's curator, Mary Magsamen.
Indeed, with a headline like "Goodbye, Aurora Picture Show," readers might be misled to believe that they should say "goodbye" to the Aurora Picture Show. A closer reading reveals that the theater's original home, on Aurora Street in Sunset Heights, is being sold by the organization's original self-proclaimed "high priestess," Andrea Grover. The structure was originally a church, and operated as a theater for 10 years until 2008.
On the building up for sale, Magsamen says, "We haven't used the church there for almost two years. When Andrea Grover retired from our organization, she retired the church with it."
Since then, Aurora has expanded audiences as a migrant theater. "We're doing well - alive and kicking," Magsamen adds. Underground flick enthusiasts can catch their magic at such venues as The Menil Collection, Super Happy Fun Land and Frenetic Theater. We're particularly excited about next month's "Extremely Shorts 13: Works 3 Minutes and Under."
As documented on Swamplot, Grover did a fabulous job with the space - some rooms are even Unhappy Hipsters-worthy. Otherwise, much of the original church elements remain, including pew seating and a "disused baptistry." Grover is selling the house and departing from the Houston art scene, leaving open many questions about what her next move will be.