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| 1930s Federal theater a "Furious Improvisation"Furious Improvisationby Susan Quinn ISBN: 0-8027-1698-9 Reviewed by Mike Matejka In the 1930s, the federal government put millions to work to bolster the economy. 
The Works Progress Administration;s (WPA) most unique project was the Federal Theater Project, nicely documented in an easy-to-read new history, “Furious Improvisation.” The Theater Project put thousands of actors and stagehands to work, launching productions in small towns and CCC camps along with big city venues. The program helped integrate the industry, refusing performances in segregated theaters and opening its doors to African-Americans, also helping desegregate some stage unions. In its quest to perform relevant, topical work, the project drew conservative ire. In response, Congress initiated the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC), to probe the program. HUAC was notorious for the 1950s blacklist and lasted until the 1960s. If you read this book, also be sure and view the film, "Cradle will Rock," an excellent accompaniment to this turbulent time when Americans were searching for answers to economic depression and downfall. This is a lively, easy and fun read, bringing alive an economic downturn when government hustled to put people to work in innovative ways. |