James Shapiro, a Columbia professor and esteemed literary scholar, delves into the fascinating history of the Federal Theatre Project initiated during the Great Depression. He discusses how FDR's administration employed thousands of artists, including legends like Orson Welles and Arthur Miller, to produce over a thousand plays that transformed American culture. Shapiro also explores the project's impact on democracy, the tensions between art and politics, and its lasting legacy—raising questions about the contemporary relevance of theater in society.
The Federal Theater Project significantly engaged communities by making theater accessible to millions during the Great Depression, transforming public appreciation for the arts.
Political opposition ultimately dismantled the Federal Theater Project, highlighting ongoing conflicts between artistic expression and government scrutiny in a democratic society.
Deep dives
Impact of the Federal Theater Project on Arts and Society
The Federal Theater Project was a groundbreaking initiative during the Great Depression aimed at providing employment for theater professionals while making art accessible to the American public. By employing thousands of actors, directors, and crew members, the project delivered performances to audiences across 29 states, bringing theater to regions that had never experienced live performances before. Remarkably, surveys indicated that two-thirds of attendees had never seen a play prior to this initiative, highlighting its transformative impact on community engagement and appreciation for the arts. This project not only offered economic relief to artists but also cultivated a cultural renaissance during a period of widespread hardship, reinforcing the idea that art can play a vital role in society even amidst adversity.
Censorship and Backlash Against the Arts
The Federal Theater Project faced significant challenges from political factions, particularly as it began to produce plays that critiqued social injustices and political issues. Although the initiative sought to provide free and uncensored theater, it often ran afoul of government officials and legislators who felt threatened by its progressive messages. The backlash culminated in congressional hearings led by Martin Dyes, who labeled the project as 'un-American' for its portrayal of sensitive topics, such as racism and workers' rights. Ultimately, this political pressure contributed to the project's dissolution, setting a precedent for ongoing cultural battles regarding the funding and importance of the arts in a democratic society.
Theatre as a Reflection of Societal Issues
One of the highlights of the Federal Theater Project was its ability to address pressing social issues through innovative storytelling, such as its modern adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth featuring an all-black cast led by Orson Welles. This groundbreaking production not only challenged racial barriers but also reignited interest in theater as a vital cultural expression during the Great Depression. Additionally, the project staged productions like Sinclair Lewis's It Can't Happen Here, which warned against the rise of fascism in America, connecting contemporary audiences with the global tensions of their time. These productions exemplified the vital role theater can play in raising awareness and prompting discourse about societal challenges.
The Lasting Legacy of the Federal Theater Project
The Federal Theater Project left an indelible mark on the American arts landscape, highlighting the intrinsic link between theater and democracy. Its brief existence serves as a powerful reminder of the potential of public funding for the arts to foster cultural enrichment and community engagement. The project's closure foreshadowed later struggles in the arts community, where similar challenges of censorship, funding cuts, and political scrutiny continue to resonate. By examining the project's history, there exists a hope for future initiatives that can revitalize public interest in the arts and inspire a new generation to appreciate the capacity of theater to effect social change.
It's hard to imagine now, but the United States government wasn't always hostile or indifferent to the arts. In fact, from 1935 to 1939, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal Government responded to the Great Depression by staging over a thousand theatrical productions in 29 states that were seen by thirty million (or nearly one in four) Americans, two thirds of whom had never seen a play before. How did Roosevelt's administration come to hire over twelve thousand struggling artists, including Orson Welles and Arthur Miller? How successful were the plays? And what ultimately shut them down? James Shapiro (The Playbook: A Story of Theater, Democracy, and the Making of a Culture War) joins Jacke for a discussion of the Federal Theatre Project and its legacy.
