5. Guest Author: James Shapiro James Shapiro describes the Federal Theater’s bold production of *It Can't Happen Here*, which served as a warning against a fascist takeover in America. The play’s portrayal of concentration camps and tyranny significantly

Season 8 Episode 617  ·  Mar 22, 12:32 AM
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5. Guest Author: James Shapiro James Shapiro describes the Federal Theater’s bold production of *It Can't Happen Here*, which served as a warning against a fascist takeover in America. The play’s portrayal of concentration camps and tyranny significantly shifted public opinion regarding the threats posed by Hitler and Mussolini. However, the project faced mounting political opposition. Shapiro introduces Martin Dies, an ambitious Texas congressman who chaired the first House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). Dies targeted the Federal Theater as "low-hanging fruit," accusing it of being communistic to attack FDR’s progressive New Deal policies. (5)

1921

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6. Guest Author: James Shapiro James Shapiro discusses "Living Newspapers," such as *One-Third of a Nation*, which used fact-based accounts to tackle social issues like the housing crisis. These productions angered powerful real estate interests and senat
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