Theatre Historians

[wildhornfan]

Posted: 11/9/09 at 1:24pm

I am doing a thesis on actors/composers in the 1920s and Social Activism. In other words, the impact these people had on the world of the 1920s. I am concentrating on Gershwin, Cole Porter, Al Jolson, Eva LeGallienne, Charles Gilpin, Clare Eames,etc. I have been going to the Performing Arts Library and I am wondering if there are any other materials available.Does anyone know of a theatre historian that could help me with this project?!

Thanks

[A Director]

Posted: 11/9/09 at 11:51pm

Are you in Grad School and working on a thesis? If so, do you have a thesis advisor to help and make suggestions?

How do you define Social Activism?

Why did you pick the people you listed? Which of them were social activists? Why not include John Howard Lawson, Elmer Rice and Maxwell Anderson who were social critics which is reflected in their work?

I know the need of limiting the scope of a thesis, but why focus only on the 1920s?

[dreaming]

Posted: 11/10/09 at 9:24am

Personally, as one who has indeed studied theater history, I can tell you that the 1930s and the Federal Theater Project would provide a highly interesting topic as far as activism is concerned. Pick up the book Arena by Hallie Flanagan and give it a look. It is far closer to the brand of activism that you're looking for I think. Read some of the plays/playwrights she mentions in the book-which, by the way, is her outline of the FTP, of which she was the director. Flanagan was a fascinating character and the project was really a hotbed for activist playwrights in the 1930s, when there was a great deal to get heated up over given the social, political and economic climate of the U.S. at the time.

If you want to stick to the 1920s, Max Anderson is a really good suggestion.