Living newspaper

Definition

A living newspaper is a form of documentary theatre that presents current events and social issues through a combination of text, imagery, and performance. This style originated during the Great Depression as part of the Federal Theatre Project, aimed at educating audiences and promoting social change by dramatizing news stories in an engaging way.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Living newspapers were often performed in community settings, allowing for direct engagement with local audiences and issues relevant to their lives.
2. The content for living newspapers was drawn from newspaper articles, public documents, and interviews with everyday people, making it a collective representation of contemporary society.
3. The first living newspaper production was 'One Third of a Nation,' which addressed housing problems during the Great Depression and highlighted the struggles faced by many Americans.
4. Living newspapers encouraged audience participation, aiming to spark discussions about social issues and promote activism among viewers.
5. The format fell out of favor after the Federal Theatre Project ended in 1939, but its influence can still be seen in modern documentary theatre practices.

Review Questions

• How did living newspapers serve as a form of engagement for audiences during their performances?
  • Living newspapers served as a form of engagement by directly addressing current events and social issues relevant to the audience's everyday lives. They presented real stories drawn from news articles and personal interviews, making the topics relatable and prompting discussions among viewers. This interactive approach aimed not only to inform but also to inspire action and activism regarding the issues presented.
• Analyze the role of the Federal Theatre Project in the development of living newspapers and its impact on American theatre.
  • The Federal Theatre Project played a crucial role in developing living newspapers by providing funding and support for innovative theatrical forms that addressed social issues. It allowed artists to create productions that highlighted pressing concerns during the Great Depression, such as unemployment and housing crises. This initiative transformed American theatre by emphasizing its potential as a tool for social change and community engagement, leading to a legacy that influenced future generations of performers and playwrights.
• Evaluate the significance of living newspapers in shaping public discourse about social issues in the context of American theatre history.
  • Living newspapers significantly shaped public discourse by using theatre as a platform for addressing critical social issues and reflecting contemporary realities. By dramatizing real events and personal stories, they made complex topics accessible and fostered empathy among audiences. This form of theatre not only raised awareness but also encouraged civic responsibility, demonstrating how performance could challenge societal norms and inspire collective action in pursuit of social justice.

Related terms

Federal Theatre Project: A New Deal program established in 1935 that aimed to create jobs for theater artists while providing access to affordable theatre for the American public.

Documentary Theatre: A form of theatre that uses real-life events and interviews to create a narrative, often focusing on social issues and providing a voice to marginalized communities.

Theatre of the Absurd: A style of theatre that emerged in the 1950s, characterized by illogical situations, nonsensical dialogue, and a focus on the absurdity of human existence.