Performance of the American Shakespeare Festival Theatre of Stratford, Connecticut

This photograph of the American Shakespeare Festival Theatre of Stratford, Connecticut, performing at a state dinner in honor of President El Ferik Ibrahim Abboud of Sudan in the East Room was taken by Abbie Rowe on October 4, 1961. The East Room is located on the State Floor of the Executive Mansion. The room is the largest room in the White House and is often used as a ceremonial space. The room is painted white and has 18th-century French and English-inspired ornate walls and ceiling. To make way for temporary furniture for ceremonies and holiday decorations, the East Room is usually sparsely furnished.