USA 1936: WPA's Theatrical Renaissance

This silent film from 1936 showcases the broad spectrum of theater projects under the Works Progress Administration (WPA). It features various performances including vaudeville acts with comedy teams, dancers, and singers; minstrel shows; marionette theater; and classic productions like Gilbert and Sullivan's "H.M.S. Pinafore" and Shakespeare's "Macbeth" with an all-Negro cast. Also highlighted is Sinclair Lewis's "It Can't Happen Here," performed at diverse venues like CCC camps, parks, and small-town theaters. The film captures the behind-the-scenes efforts with scenes of costume design, stage setting, and rehearsals, and includes advice from Hollywood producer Adolph Zukor, illustrating the WPA's significant contribution to cultural enrichment during the Great Depression.