50th Anniversary

Fifty years ago in 1976, the Foundation took the title to Tao House under the vision and tenacity of three amazing women—Thalia Brewer, Darlene Blair, and Lois Sizoo. We are celebrating this important milestone throughout 2026, with special events and recorded memories of the Foundation’s early days.

When the Foundation took the title to Tao House in 1976, the down payment was largely enabled by funds raised through efforts like Jason Robards Jr. and Jack Dodson. They performed O'Neill's Hughie in the courtyard of Tao House to fundraise for the cause. Enjoy these audio clips, which celebrate and recognize Foundation founders, builders, and more below. View our historical timeline here

audio recordings

Intro paragraph to our Audio Recordings: FOUNDERS

Video recordings

Intro to our next grouping: Video Recordings

FESTIVAL

Interview with Zander Brietzke: "Escaping a Small Town"

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FESTIVAL

Interview with Zander Brietzke: "Escaping a Small Town"

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O'NEILL

Beth Wynstra on Eugene and Carlotta O'Neill

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still photos with url links

Short intro to this grouping, using still photos linked to another page

"ANNA CHRISTIE"

"Anna Christie" film screening at Niles Essanay

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FESTIVAL

Lois Sizoo (?) meets Jason Robards at the gala

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O'NEILL STAMP

The USPS commemorates O'Neill with new stamp

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still photos with url links

Short intro to this grouping, using still photos linked to another page

"ANNA CHRISTIE"

"Anna Christie" film screening at Niles Essanay

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"ANNA CHRISTIE"

"Anna Christie" film screening at Niles Essanay

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"ANNA CHRISTIE"

"Anna Christie" film screening at Niles Essanay

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