The Cradle Will Rock

Definition

The Cradle Will Rock is a musical play written by Marc Blitzstein in 1937, known for its bold political themes and its association with the Federal Theatre Project. It tackled issues of labor rights and social injustice during the Great Depression, using a unique performance style that included actors singing from the audience due to a theatrical shutdown. The play is significant for its reflection on the role of art in society and the power of theatre as a form of protest.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Cradle Will Rock was originally set to be performed by the Federal Theatre Project in 1937 but faced censorship, leading to a unique performance where actors sang from the audience instead of on stage.
2. The musical features a variety of characters representing different aspects of society, including laborers, businessmen, and government officials, highlighting class struggles.
3. Blitzstein's score incorporates elements of jazz and blues, making it distinct from traditional Broadway musicals of its time.
4. The play’s premiere was a bold statement against censorship and government intervention in the arts, reflecting the political climate of the era.
5. The Cradle Will Rock is often credited with influencing future generations of politically engaged theatre and remains relevant in discussions about art as a tool for social change.

Review Questions

• How did The Cradle Will Rock challenge traditional theatre conventions during its original performance?
  • The Cradle Will Rock defied traditional theatre conventions by performing from the audience due to a government-imposed shutdown on its scheduled performance. This unconventional staging highlighted the themes of resistance and protest inherent in the play. By having actors sing from various locations within the audience, it created an interactive experience that directly engaged viewers, emphasizing the political urgency of its message.
• Discuss the impact of The Cradle Will Rock on the Federal Theatre Project and how it embodied the project's goals.
  • The Cradle Will Rock had a profound impact on the Federal Theatre Project as it exemplified the initiative's goal of producing socially relevant art that addressed contemporary issues. By highlighting labor rights and social injustice during the Great Depression, it drew attention to the struggles faced by everyday Americans. The play's innovative performance style and political content positioned it as a crucial work within the project, demonstrating how theatre could be a powerful vehicle for social change and public engagement.
• Evaluate The Cradle Will Rock's legacy in American theatre and its relevance to contemporary discussions about art and politics.
  • The Cradle Will Rock's legacy lies in its pioneering role in merging art with political activism, establishing a framework for future works that address social issues through theatre. Its bold confrontation with censorship and advocacy for labor rights resonate with contemporary discussions about artistic freedom and the role of theatre in social movements. The play continues to inspire artists today to use their craft as a means of challenging societal norms and advocating for justice, proving that art can still provoke thought and incite change in modern society.

Related terms

Federal Theatre Project: A New Deal program that funded theatre projects across the United States during the Great Depression, aimed at providing jobs for actors, writers, and other theatre professionals while promoting socially relevant art.

Marc Blitzstein: An American composer and lyricist best known for his work on The Cradle Will Rock, he was an influential figure in American musical theatre and a proponent of social justice through art.

Labor Movement: A social movement advocating for the rights of workers, particularly during the Great Depression, which sought better wages, working conditions, and the right to unionize.