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.






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