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What happens when the arts are democratised
GORDON PARSONS applauds a history of the US Federal Theatre Project, that brought political theatre to millions in the US
STUNNING: The arrival of King Duncan and his court at Macbeth's palace in Act I, Scene 2, of the Federal Theatre Project production of Macbeth at the Lafayette Theatre in April 1936 [Federal Theatre Project/LoC/CC]

The Playbook
James Shapiro
Faber, £20

 

IF it is to attract the attention of readers other than those interested in plays and playmaking, Shakespeare scholar James Shapiro’s compelling book certainly needs its subtitle, “A Study of Theatre, Democracy and the Making of a Culture War.” 

The author, recognising this, prefaces his opening with dictionary definitions of the term “playbook,” including “A set of tactics frequently employed by one engaged in competitive activity.”

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