The Federal Theatre Project: A Case Study

by Barry B. Witham

Overview

Drawing upon archival resources, official correspondence and personal interviews, this book provides a detailed examination of the U.S. Federal Theatre Project in the decade of the 1930s. It recreates the often chaotic but frequently exhilarating story of "Uncle Sam" as producer. Special attention is given to the controversial Negro unit; the prize-winning production of See How They Run; and the mass spectacles which attempted to incorporate Hallie Flanagan's vision of a truly national project rooted in local culture.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521100120
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	01/18/2009
Series:	Cambridge Studies in American Theatre and Drama , #20
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	212
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Barry B. Witham is Professor at the School of Drama, University of Washington.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgement; List of illustrations; Introduction; 1. A showboat for the people; 2. Glenn's plan; 3. Hoofers, mystics and a singing bird; 4. Typists and models; 5. A Negro theatre; 6. Power and control; 7. Dunbar and the children; 8. Slums and syphilis; 9. See How They Run; 10. Flotilla of Faith; Conclusion; Appendix A. Production calendar; Appendix B. Glossary of names; Bibliography.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"...backed by 15 years of research that the author mines to create several lively narratives about the project's various elements. By the end of this meticulous study, the theater enthusiast feels as though he's been transported to Seattle in the late 1930s." Seattle Times

"This valuable case study considers what is arguably the single most significant government arts initiative in US history.... Essential." Choice

Editorial Reviews

"...backed by 15 years of research that the author mines to create several lively narratives about the project's various elements. By the end of this meticulous study, the theater enthusiast feels as though he's been transported to Seattle in the late 1930s." Seattle Times

"This valuable case study considers what is arguably the single most significant government arts initiative in US history.... Essential." Choice

From the Publisher