Who Killed the Federal Theatre?
Part journalistic investigation and part performance documentary, "Who Killed The Federal Theater?" tells the story of the Federal Theatre Project within the context of a volatile period in the political, social and cultural history of the United States. The film features interview segments with playwrights, including Arthur Miller, and with actors, directors, designers, and historians. It also incorporates rare archival materials and dramatic sequences, including professionally re-created scenes from Federal Theatre productions that transport viewers back in time to a bygone era in American history and entertainment.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary delves into the rise and abrupt fall of the Federal Theatre Project, a New Deal initiative that aimed to bring theatre to communities across America during the Great Depression. It highlights the project's innovative productions and its significant impact on actors, directors, and audiences. The film then explores the political machinations and ideological opposition that ultimately led to its controversial demise.
Critical Reception
The documentary received acclaim for its thorough research and compelling presentation of a significant, often overlooked, chapter in American cultural and political history. Critics praised its ability to bring to life the vibrant era of the FTP and effectively explain the complex forces that led to its shutdown.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its insightful exploration of a crucial historical period in American theatre.
- Commended for its engaging narrative and effective use of archival footage and interviews.
- Appreciated for shedding light on the political battles that shaped cultural policy.
Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the documentary's informative nature and its success in illuminating the story of the Federal Theatre Project and its impact.
Fun Fact
The Federal Theatre Project, despite its short lifespan from 1935 to 1939, employed thousands of artists and staged over 1,200 productions, reaching millions of people across the United States.
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