Staged News: The Federal Theatre Project's Living Newspapers in New York

In 1935, a group of journalists and theater artists collaborated to produce the Living Newspapers, six theatrical productions that covered public issues such as affordable housing, the Dust Bowl, and labor law. This collaboration was funded by the Federal Theatre Project (FTP) and inspired adaptations across the country. Staged News explores the Living Newspaper's process and repertoire, highlighting the contributions of marginalized newsmakers, particularly Black artists, who challenged the parameters of public knowledge and assumptions surrounding newsworthiness.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 24 February 2023
Publisher: University of Massachusetts Press

In 1935, a remarkable collaboration unfolded between a group of journalists and theater artists, fueled by funds from the Federal Theatre Project (FTP), a Depression-era employment initiative established by President Roosevelt's New Deal. With a mission to produce news for the theatrical stage, this New York-based team embarked on an ambitious project known as the Living Newspapers. Over the next four years, they crafted six groundbreaking productions, each addressing a diverse range of public issues. These issues included affordable housing, the struggles of Dust Bowl farmers, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and labor law.

The Living Newspaper productions were a sensation, reaching hundreds of thousands of spectators nationwide and inspiring adaptations across the country. These theatrical works not only informed the public but also ignited a sense of empathy and activism, as they brought the pressing concerns of the day to the forefront of the stage.

Staged News delves into the intricate process and diverse repertoire of the Living Newspaper, exploring how journalists' perceptions of their profession shifted during this time. Jordana Cox highlights the contributions of marginalized newsmakers, particularly Black artists, who challenged the boundaries of public knowledge and reshaped the concept of newsworthiness. This timely analysis unveils how a vital theatrical form emerged from a transforming news landscape, reimagining the potential of journalism to empower individuals seeking democratic change.

The Living Newspaper productions were a testament to the power of collaboration and the arts in shaping public discourse. They demonstrated that journalism could be more than just reporting the facts; it could be a powerful tool for empathy, understanding, and social change. By merging the realms of journalism and theater, the Living Newspapers created a unique form of storytelling that resonated with audiences and left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape.

Today, as we navigate a rapidly evolving media landscape, the legacy of the Living Newspaper continues to inspire and inform. Its innovative approach to news dissemination and its commitment to social justice remain a testament to the power of creativity and the importance of storytelling in shaping our collective understanding of the world.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781625346797