Director Of Federal Theatre Project Layed Ground Work For Theatre Today

Hallie Flanagan's Program's Ultimate Failure Gave Plays New, Improved Life

By AMIR ALI SAID

I've recently heard a bit about the director of the Federal Theatre Project, Hallie Flanagan. I first heard of Flanagan on Saturday, at my class on the Federal Theatre Project. We learned of her through a series of clips from the film Cradle Will Rock. Especially this one scene which was taken directly from congressional transcripts when the Federal Theatre Project was originally on the brink of being cut by the government.

Flanagan was finally given the opportunity to speak for her program after months of investigations with lesser known employees. However, the interview went nothing like a fair open conversation. Instead, it was basically a process of numerous accusations tossed around that couldn't really be defended since the members had no real interest in listening. There minds were already made up. Therefore, as it was stated in the film, Flanagan already knew her time was up. But it wouldn't be the worse thing ever.

Flanagan and the Federal Theatre Project opened up a world of opportunity for Theatre. Opportunities and benefits that are still being reeped till this day. Censorship is practically non-existent in some cases today. Thanks to The Federal Theatre Project this is able to go on at a regular basis. I think a lot of people can thank Flanagan for the work that she put in. The hardships that she went through after the failure of the FTP have set up better days to come. Thanks Hallie Flanagan.

'Course Of Empire,' Favorite Painting From Thomas Cole

Imaginary City Translated Through the Eyes Of Early American Civilization

By Amir Ali Said

Before I went to the New York Historical Society for the first time, I had never heard of the Painter Thomas Cole. But in the first week at class I got to see one of his most famous paintings, The Course Of Empire. The Course Of Empire is a five-part series of paintings created by Cole over a span of three years (1833-1836). These series of paintings show different stages of human civilization. The paintings also gave a glimpse into what Americans believed Empires would ultimately lead to.

The series of paintings depicts the rise and fall of an imaginary city. A city that is marked by a huge boulder overlooking the valley in every painting. The Course of Empire paintings have lots of intricate details that can be discussed for hours. Details such as, the boulder that shows up in each painting, the color scheme, literally each painting could have it's own class.

When you take a look at The Course Of Empire it's fun to figure out and discuss the order of the paintings. The order is kind of tricky. Each painting could actually be first or last, but certain details can help you figure out the order. The first time that I took a look at the paintings, I got the order correct. However, before I gave an answer, I went through at least three different orders.

From all of the paintings I've seen (about 30) over the past few weeks, I'd have to say The Course Of Empire is my favorite. I categorize it as one painting because of the name, even though it's a series. The Course of Empire is my favorite painting because of the intricate details and story behind the painting. Also, I like the color contrast in the first and fourth picture within the series.

The first painting depicts civilization in it's earliest state. There's a lot of trees and grass. There are also limited humans, and those shown are portrayed as "savages" or hunter gatherers. Another thing that I was surprised to see in a painting during that time, was Native Americans and Tipis. I also liked how the sea was apart of the landscape and seemed to be the backdrop along with the boulder.

In the fourth painting there's a lot of things going in. In each part of the painting you can see something different. For example, colors are bright and dim in certain spots. There are also a lot of detailed people and objects flying that can be hard to manage. Plus, they can also be hard to paint. Nontheless, Cole did a good job of capturing the essence of a falling empire.

Since seeing The Course Of Empire painting, I've only seen two other Cole paintings. Both of which caught my attention, but didn't capture the same reaction. But the paintings collectively inspired me to write an article about Cole. I also plan on doing more research on him, I'm interested in him and his other paintings. Cole seems like an inspirational individual who was at the forefront of America in it's first days.

Arts & Design vs Arts & Graphics

Is There A Difference Between the Two?

By Amir Ali Said

Arts and Design...Or Arts and Graphics. To me, there is no difference. To others, it might be a big one. Arts is a very broad topic, it can span over many different forms of employment. Also, art can span over many different ways of life. Art is a huge topic to discuss, which is why I am only going into the simple importance of it. Here, I'll break down each group.

For both groups, Arts can be described as painting, movie making, sports, writing etc. Design can be equal to painting, designing a scheme for a company, or creating a poster or piece of artwork using software; software like Adobe Illustrator. There is my definition of Arts and Design, the arts + design = a piece of work, good or bad that can be used in the present or future. It's all math.

Graphics is similar to Arts in many ways. They both can be a painting. Graphics and Arts can also be movie making. Plus, Graphics can include, posters, and other pieces of art-work. Point is, there is really no difference between Arts and Design vs Arts and Graphics. I take both as a way of learning, through which I use software or other instruments to create art.