Theatrical Feud Escalates into Chaos

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The chapter narrates the escalating rivalry between actors Forrest and McCready, beginning with hissing incidents and culminating in chaotic scenes at theaters across the United States. Tensions fueled by class and nationality prejudices, manipulation, and a tragic incident involving the National Guard ultimately lead to significant changes in American theater culture.

As the famous English actor William Macready was preparing to go on stage in New York, over 300 police officers were placed in and around the theater. “But the head of the police said, ‘I don't know that that's going to be enough people.’”

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