Triple-a plowed under

Definition

Triple-a plowed under refers to a significant moment in the history of the Federal Theatre Project, where the ambitious goals and creative efforts of the project were largely dismantled and rendered ineffective. This term captures the essence of how the project, despite its initial promise of creating accessible and innovative theater during the Great Depression, ultimately faced opposition and was effectively shut down by political forces and budget cuts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Federal Theatre Project was part of the broader New Deal initiative aimed at providing employment opportunities during the economic crisis of the Great Depression.
2. The term 'triple-a plowed under' reflects not just a termination of the project but also symbolizes the erasure of innovative artistic expressions that emerged during this era.
3. Political pressures, particularly from conservative factions and critics who viewed the project as too radical or controversial, played a crucial role in its demise.
4. The Federal Theatre Project produced groundbreaking works, including plays that addressed social issues like race relations and labor rights, which were ultimately lost when it was shut down.
5. The closure of the Federal Theatre Project in 1939 marked a significant shift in American theater, moving away from government-supported art towards more commercialized forms.

Review Questions

• How did the initial goals of the Federal Theatre Project contribute to its significance in American theater before it was plowed under?
  • The Federal Theatre Project aimed to provide jobs for artists while making theater accessible to all Americans, particularly those who had been marginalized. It produced innovative plays that tackled pressing social issues like racism and labor rights, thus establishing a legacy of artistic activism. These goals made it a vital part of American culture during the Great Depression, highlighting both the power of theater as a medium for change and the importance of state support for the arts.
• Discuss the political factors that led to the downfall of the Federal Theatre Project and how they relate to the concept of being triple-a plowed under.
  • The downfall of the Federal Theatre Project can be attributed to a combination of political pressure and shifting priorities within the government. Critics from conservative circles accused it of promoting leftist ideologies and wasteful spending. As funding was cut and support diminished, the project's innovative productions were stifled, leading to its eventual termination. This concept of being triple-a plowed under signifies how artistic endeavors were systematically dismantled by political forces that prioritized control over cultural expression.
• Evaluate the impact of the closure of the Federal Theatre Project on future artistic movements and government support for the arts in America.
  • The closure of the Federal Theatre Project had lasting effects on American theater and government involvement in the arts. It signaled a retreat from robust state support for experimental theater, pushing artists toward commercial avenues for survival. This shift led to a more conservative landscape for artistic expression in subsequent decades. However, it also laid groundwork for future discussions about funding for public arts programs, influencing later initiatives such as NEA (National Endowment for the Arts) while raising awareness about the need for governmental commitment to cultural development.

Related terms

Federal Theatre Project: A New Deal program that was established in 1935 to provide jobs for actors, directors, and playwrights during the Great Depression, while also bringing theater to underserved communities across the United States.

New Deal: A series of programs and policies implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, aimed at economic recovery and social reform.

WPA (Works Progress Administration): A New Deal agency that employed millions of Americans to carry out public works projects, including theater productions, art installations, and construction projects.