Why Ghosts Gave Comfort to the Ancient Greeks

Classical Playwrights Used Spirits to Deliver Wisdom and Counsel—Some of It Still Relevant Today

The pandemic struck at a time when people’s confidence in their government was already shaky. Many decried the lack of attention being paid to information about public health and safety, while others distrusted what was being said by public health and safety officials. Some looked to religion for answers, while secular observers cited factors such as overcrowding in urban areas and lack of proper precautions, like basic sanitary measures, to explain the disease’s spread. Amid the lack of faith in authorities and institutions, there was concern that democracy itself hung …

Why Not Let the Church You Loathe Save the Theater You Love? | Zocalo Public Square • Arizona State University • Smithsonian

Why Not Let the Church You Loathe Save the Theater You Love?

Across California, Growing Congregations and Communities Have Bridged Differences to Preserve Historic Movie Palaces

Have a little faith, Californians.

Even if you can’t stand the religion or politics of your local churches, you might find their congregations to be valuable saviors—of your historic and …

Can Playwrights Lead the Next American Reconstruction? | Zocalo Public Square • Arizona State University • Smithsonian

Can Playwrights Lead the Next American Reconstruction?

Theater Encompasses ‘Truth, Reconciliation, and Recompense’—All Integral Ingredients to Imagine How the Country Can Build Back Better

History shows how badly Americans flubbed our First Reconstruction in the aftermath of Civil War. Although we did better, we hardly lived up to the lofty intentions of the Second …

The Theatrical Concept Powerful Enough to Break a Trumpian Spell  | Zocalo Public Square • Arizona State University • Smithsonian

The Theatrical Concept Powerful Enough to Break a Trumpian Spell 

The Great German Playwright Bertholt Brecht Knew How to Jolt an Audience Out of Narrative Complacency

“All the gang of those who rule us
Hope our quarrels never stop
Helping them to split and fool us
So they can remain on top.”
— Bertholt Brecht, Solidarity …

The Wondrous Life of America’s First Male Impersonator

Annie Hindle Scandalized and Titillated Audiences, But Her Talent Won Them Over

On June 6, 1886, Kerr B. Tupper, a Baptist minister in Grand Rapids, Michigan, presided over the marriage of a young couple. The groom gave his name as Charles E. …