Effort to Revive Exeter's Ioka Revs Up

Close to 200 members of the community came out tonight to toss around ideas on how to revive the Ioka theater.

Suggestions included screening independent films there, hosting comedy acts, installing a bar for cocktails, and putting on student plays, among other ideas.

The discussion took place at a public forum at hosted by the Exeter Theater Company, the group trying to bring the historic theater back to life.

Kensington philanthropist Alan Lewis for the Ioka at an auction last month. He paid $600,000 for it and closed on the deal yesterday. He was not present at tonight's forum.

The group is working with Lewis and trying to get 1,000 members by March to join its cause and donate money. So far 50-100 have signed up. The theater company has donation levels ranging from $50-2,500. More information can be found here.

Members of the theater company said they don't have a specific amount of money they want to raise. They said it's more important to reach the 1,000-member mark to demonstrate to Lewis that the Ioka's revival has broad support.

The company is now working on a 99-year lease for the Ioka at $1 a year.

Another public forum will be held at Town Hall Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m.