America's Road to Peace

...Joseph T. Shipley THE THEATRE UNION By BSal'gSsOt Larkin One of the first questions that arises when a new theatre is about to be borh is bote to produce...

...The clipping, reproduced from the New York Times of Jan...

...While we felt justified ia storting the theatre with professionals of varying degree* of sympathy for what our plays said, we recognized the need and the advantages of a permanent group of actor*_ politically aware as wen as technically competent...

...They are not permitting these crimes to pass unchallenged...

...The Socialist who doss tikis commits moral suicide and deals an irreparable blow to the Socalist ideal...

...Business is business...

...You see, in Sweden we have had to cope not with one but with two crises—one political, the other economic...

...Supplying Mussolini with materials for his army, we are to understand, does not intensify the war danger, but depriving him of such materials would "definitely" intensify it...

...But, as* I have already pointed out, what concerns us are not the good intentions of political leaders...

...his mind and soul the Russian peasant seeks not to build Socialism bat to withhold and to conceal as vouch grain as possible from the government officials seat to rule over him...

...Theatre of Jsjstlua The Theatre of Action, which recently presented a fine production of its first full-length play, developed from the did Workers' Laboratory Theatre which was aa amateur group, it has been strengthened by the addition of experienced professionals, and in fact its whole group has joined Equity and is now of protesional standing...

...The Socialists, having recovered from the blow .of last October, are reorganizing their ranks and look forward with confidence to victory...

...Soever also added I the excuse that to break the com1 mercial treaty would "definitely intensify the war danger...

...The demand is being pressed for an ¦Ssmmssj for all political prisoners aad new elections to Parliament...

...Man's inhumanity to man is being practiced on a scale and in a manner that recalls the darkest period of the Dark Ages...

...They rule over the entire population in absolutist manner, and they" enjoy at the same time all the privileges of plenty luxury which in capitalist countries are the privileges of private capitalists...

...The development of recent years particularly has been increasingly in the opposite direction—net toward Socialism but away from Socialism...

...Thdy rule over production...

...Dy jonn i owciB The Struggle in Spain RAMOS OLIVEIRA, a Spanish writer, tells a dreadful tale of the plight of 30,060 political prisoners in Spain, Socialists, radicals and republicans, upon whom Spanish reaction is exercising its vengeance for the revolution of-last October...

...With al...

...From this experience and others arises the realization of the necessity for social economic control...

...The question that interests us is not the destination for which the ship is set but where it is actually going...

...for the coming season, starting the first week in October...

...and printed by the Comintern Press...

...we have ts find ear own methods...

...They are discontented, embittered by toil and unbearable living conditions, divided into many groups, according to their position in the Soviet scheme of things...

...What methods doss your government regard as most conducive for the achievement of Socialism...

...the Socialist premier was asked...

...Most workers' theatres were begun by sympathetic amateurs who learned their craft as they went along...

...Otherwise their life is limited to two or three performances...

...His reply was: "I have often had the opportunity to discuss this question, particularly with American Socialists...

...In each play we made an effort to cast actors who had appeared in previous plays...

...Their plays, their actors, their organization, and their promotion and business methods, derive from Broadway, and have been adapted to the special needs of the audience of workers, liberals, students, which they attract...

...Such is always the attitude of reaction—until it is overwhelmed by the inevitable tempest...

...I share the view of Sir Arthur Salter, the British economist, that the next phase of economic development will be marked by a, synthesis of private aad social economic control...

...more prisoners in one concentration camp in Russia than in the «bh of Geim—y...

...It is thus a question ef the experience of She people in practical economics...

...first Production Our first production this teases will be "Mother," a play with music which Paul Peters has adopted from the German script by Bert Brecht and Haas Eisslw...

...TOS picture above is reproduced * from page 141 of a book entitled "New York," published in Moscow in 1933 under the imprint of the "Cooperative Publishing As| socistion, of foreign workers in the U.S.S.R...

...How are they being prepared for Socialism under the Soviet regime ? An outstanding development of recent years in Russia has been the birth of new ejaeoes and new social differentiations...

...It will differ in some important respects from other groups...

...Marx taught that the development of capitalist society proceeded along two lines: technical expansion and accumulation of capital in the hands of the few...

...Since the Theatre Union was founded on tbi principle that what - Wt'WafWs to say to its audience i» the most important factor...

...If net, we will look further, in order to assure ourselves that we will give est audience a competent ami worthwhile production...

...But the Theatre Union, the Group Theatre, and the Theatre Alliance did not grow directly out of the amateur workers' movement...

...The three-year plan of social reconstruction- promulgated by the Socialist government has won wide sympathy and support...

...this weald has dangerous tendency indeed...

...Our method was a slow one of getting acquaint] with actors by seeing them in several plays, and watching their development in our Experienced Studio...

...Soviet Russia is s land of despotic state, capitalism, developing not the seeds of Socialism but the sentiments, psychology, habits and modes of conduct characteristic of social systems based anon inequality, oppress inn and enslavement...

...Within the rigid framework that the cesaeneresm" theatre has sat up...

...The Daily Worker called it "a plot on the part of the capitalist press to discredit the Soviet Union...

...The group proposes to produce full length plays like "The Young Go First...

...Our masters are in Moscow," said Mussolini...

...But neither is it a Socialist state...

...Is it possible for human being living and working under such conditions to develop the moral and intellectual qualities required for the bunding of Socialism...

...More than 12,000 persons attended one such meeting...

...The Theatre Union's method si production differs from dll of tbsst...

...This is a fact much more important titan the Socialist intentions of the Bolsheviks...

...The state robs them of the bulk of what they produce, and as a consequence the peasants very property refuse to perceive any advantage in the new agricultural economy forced upon them by the all-powerful state...

...How Other Classes Live But what of the intellectuals, officials and other classes of the population...

...The road to Socialism ia a prunes ef economic development...

...Group Theatre plays are notable for fine directing and acting, aad for ensemble playing which marvellously enriches the production...

...Beginning with "Mother,"-* will be $1.00...

...And this vicious contradiction is only strengthened by the fact that coupled with the misery and poverty of the people there has arisen a Soviet aristocracy enjoying a standard of living based Upon privileges which can only-he characterized as the privileges of a new ruling class...

...The Artef Theatre, an organization of needle trades workers, is exceptional in being able to establish a stationary theatre and give plays nightly...

...In "Sailors of Cattaro," 17 of the 23 actors who had appeared in previous plays, or were members of the studio...

...These are not mi sou res likely to cultivate Socialist ideas and sentiments...

...His explanation was that Soviet Russia had a commercial treaty with Italy, and that for the l.S-S.R...

...Great mass meetings and demonstrations for the restoration of civil liberties and release of all political prisoners have recently been held in ripain to call attention to the fact that the toiling masses do not intend to rest until these demands are granted...

...26, 1930, reads in part.: "The Socialist dinner, attended by 700, was given in 'honor of Rafael Abramovitch exiled leader of the Russian Social Democrats and a noted opponent of Bolshevism...

...The commission's report is being awaited with great interest and is expected to prove a most valuable contribution to Socialist thought as weU as a practical guide to Socialists everywhere...

...But the consequence has been the opposite of what Socialists seek to accomplish...

...At the same time It will continue as a mobile group, presenting short skits and plan on the streets and in workers*' halls...

...To be sure, these classes are net classes in the conventional sense of the world...

...Socialists keve a definite economic objective, but they must utilise only such methods which are ia harmony with economic development.'' A careful study of the problems of socialization in Sweden is now being made by a commission appointed by the government under the chairmanship of Richard J. Sandler, the Socialist foreign minister...

...The progress of the Socialist idea in Norway, as registered by tile municipal elections, adds materially to the advance of Socialism in Scandinavia...

...It is more than likely that each fits a different set of problems and therefore justifies itself...

...The Spanish tragedy adds another chapter to the sad history* of our time...

...This company studies constantly to perfect its technique as a group, as well as to develop the individual talents ef its members...

...The complete devaluation of human values, coupled with a vicious cynicism and disregard of fundamental moral principles, are the chief contributions made by the dictators and would-be dictators to the political, science of our time...

...We submit that all this is not making for Socialism...

...This will require further adaptation of our audience promotion work, hi order to insure si groups that wish to buy the*US parties aa opportunity to see each play...

...The Group Theatre has produced for several years with a permanent company which it organized some years before it presented its first play...

...The very fact, however, that the group is organized in this way limits what it can produce...

...Spanish newspapers described it as the most impressive meeting ever held in Spain...

...Business Is Business Upon publication in the press of the news that Soviet Russia was supplying fascist Italy with huge quantities of wheat, coal tor, oil and other materials for the use of Mussolini's army in Ethiopia, the Communists in this country, as elsewhere, proceeded forthwith to denounce the stories as falsehoods...

...We expect to adapt the permanent company ideal to our needs, just as we have adapted methods of producing «js| promoting plays to the sweat sf our particular type of theatav For instance, we do not plan to form a large permanent group sf actors, from Which all forts, or even a majority of parts, are cast for every play...

...Talent aad ingenuity will mala up for what we lack in financial resources, we must be flexible enough to nuke business compromises wish WP capitalist world whsa they ass necessary, sad wise ¦¦isflh to refuse to compromise oar ides* at what our plsys should soy^to oat...

...therefore, be our conclusion...

...Soviet Russia, like capitalist states, is actuated primarily by business interests...

...It is possible that in unleashing their bloody war against the peasants, a war which has cost millions of human lives, the Bolsheviks had Socialist aims in mind...

...It appeals that the mighty Soviet government in 1933, after fifteen years of undisputed power, must still resort to such methods in combating Social Democracy and its spokesmen...

...It did not begin with its own green of actors, although the cast for "ts first play, "Peace on Earth,*' feV eluded a number of actors who aad been close to the project aad 'Ims in sympathy with it...

...Each of these theatres has its own policy of production...

...This meant the salvation of our democracy and with it of the political basis without which the Socialists and labor movement cannot exist...

...It is a story of inhumanity and barbarism, the two chief characteristics of contemporary fascism and dictatorship...

...The Five-Year Plan of industrialization advanced Russian industry...

...Often the actors were drawn from the unions, or the groups were outgrowths of the cultural work of some workers' organizations, such as the dramatic groups of the Young Circle League...

...Movinq Away From Socialism ' What shouid...

...Such is the state of mind of the Russian workers—from the privileged "shock troops," toiling under cruel and inhuman burdens but who receive better pay and enjoy various privileges, to the great mass of unskilled who work and live like slaves...

...Such is the new Communist logic The excuses of the professional Soviet apologist confirm what has been maintained in articles on the question in The New Leader...

...Under these circumstances it is a delusion to astppee* that the peasants driven by force into the collectives, and kept there by measures of blood and iron, are animated by Socialist sentiments...

...On Friday night, Oct 11, the annual Rebel Arts' Night and Fall Dance will be held at the Y.C.L.A...

...ment our small permanent group of factors from our studio, team previous casts, from Broadway and other sources, as the needs ef each play demand...

...Driven forcibly into the collectives, ruined and disinherited by the famine years of 1929-1932, they have refused to become reconciled to the collectives...

...Refreshments will be served and entertainment and dancing will be the order of the afternoon...

...This has earns about through' several asssVts, SB* of which is" the success of and ts* steadily growing interest in theatres of our type...

...influence and importance, but they cannot supplant such groups as the Rebel Arts Players, for instance, which will continue to fill a special need...

...but one cannot deny the power and searching intensity of this company's work...

...What we have demonstrated is that a democratic government is capable of action and that Parliament and democracy are capable of action...

...Today that experience expresses itself in- the realization on the part of our people of the capacity of private enterprise for development and expansion, coupled with an understanding of the tremendous risks which private industry entails...

...Comrade Abramawitsch does not smoke, and thousands of workers will testify that neither at the banquet referred to nor in any other of his numerous appearances in America did he ever, wear a dress suit...

...His food ration consists of bread and herring and he lives with hi-,' entire family in one small room, or part of a room...

...Announcement will be made at Sunday's affair, which will start at 8:30, of the plans of Rebel Art...

...Meanwhile, the dramatic group...

...Such groups have a particular value to the organizations that sponsor them, and to the actors who develop their talents through the work...

...Nor do they give any evidence of developing that high idealism of thcught, emotion and action of which we spoke in our article last week as an essential prerequisite for Socialism...

...And so we ask again: what is Soviet Russia...

...AH tb» questions of production methods, of scenery, bexfcstag* crow, priss scale, promotion, sad so on mast be a matter of adaptation for ear workers'theatres...

...And this is the consequence of Bolshevist policy...

...This season may see the fruition of his plans, which we may expect will include some "social" plays...

...But neither are they members of a free and equal Socialist collectivity...

...I have Utile respect for theoretical socialization products, produced at a writing desk, but place my hope upon the organic development of economic life...

...To refrain from helping Mussolini, we are now told, would deprive Soviet Russia of profits which would go elsewhere...

...We have selected seven actors whoa we expect to use in sway play next year—they are the nucleus en which we hope to build ear lamps, n en t company...

...They refuse to become ieeonefled to expropriation by the government of the product of their toil...

...With such plays as "Stevedore,'' "Peace on Earth," "Sailors of Catorro," and "Black Prt* to its credit, the union has established a record of vivid performance of stirring dramatic works . One may not always agree With every aspect of the picture each playwright presents...

...flatters—the financial question, «f course, is one of them...

...to eject the state from the collectives...

...It is believed certain that the parliamentary elections of 1936 will strengthen the hold of the Socialists and radical peasants, their allies in the government, and will pave the way for a more fundamental program of Socialist legislation...

...The professional workers' theatre which have grown up in the past two seasons undoubtedly have raised the artistic level of the movement, and have extended it...

...As William H. Chamberlin pointed out recently, there ¦jr...

...The Theatre Speaks Margaret Larkin Tel Is New Lead er Readers of the Work of the Theatre Union,— Another in a Notable Series of Articles Coming:, after Eva LeGallienne's repertory group, to the historic Fourteenth Street Theatre, the Theatre Union swung at once into full stride as one of our foremost groups of socially conscious folk Of the theatre...

...The Condition of the Peasants And what about the peasants...

...The left bloc is confident that it will emerge victorious from such an election...

...ballroom, 22 East 15th St...

...This has been clearly demonstrated in the collapse ef the Kreuger enterprises, which showed hew a private promoter can expand a single enterprise on a gigantic scale, but carrying with this expansion the tremendous risk of collapse and damage to the interest of everybody...

...Hitherto our top price has bees $1.50...

...One of the things we hops to do this year is to produce three plays during the season mat sad of two, as we have done in former years...

...Consequently, we plan to tag...

...It is not a capitalist State in the sense* of a state ruled by private capitalism...

...The coming season will see a further step in this direction...

...The Russian workers under the...

...The remainer of the book gives similarly false impressions of whatever subject is touched upon...

...N. Y. C The Workers Abroad An International Review of the Socialist and Labor Movement of the World _________.___...____¦- * *¦ - KksfcSBBSJBBBaXJMU...

...The question of the possibility of socialization is linked closely with the extent to which the masses have advanced to the realization of the necessity of social intervention into economic life...

...The internal organization of the theatre, and especially the relation of actors to the project, is fundamental, and has a profound influence on the plays as they finally appear on the stage...

...The impression sought to be conveyed to the readers—who nave access to no printed material of amy character whatever ether than that supplied by the Soviet government itself—is that this effective critic of Bolshevism is accustomed to emgage in dissolute debauches with Socialists...

...Such a large closed acting company might easily result in the dangerous tendency to choose plays to fit the acting company, rather than for their intrinsic merit as working class drama...

...They live under a system in which social differences, ruthless competition, and mutual envy and enmity among the various categories of workers constitute the chief characteristics...

...On the contrary, they appear to be quite convinced that thetr way is the road to Socialism...

...This no one can deny...

...Elmer Rice believes in repertory with a permanent company...

...As the depression continued, there developed also among the middle classes a strong anti-democratic and, in part, fascist tendency...

...Soviet regime are receiving a practical schooling in inequality and total absence of fraternity...

...The dangers and risks of economic depression, necessitating ever wider 1 social intervention, are implanting in the consciousness of the people a growing realization of the necessity of social control of economic life...

...Another great demostration was held in Valencia, under the joint auspices ef Socialists and republicans...

...But the most shocking thing of all is the fact that there are Socialists who find in all this, as practiced in Soviet Russia, a defensible manifestation ef "revolutionary" action...

...They yearn for the return of the New Economic Policy introduced by Lenin in 1921, which at least made possible the development of a free peasantry, master of its own land, and prepared the ground for a large measure of independent creative activity of the masses...

...They are being worked to exhaustion...

...The place of the Theatre Union in the field of workers' theatres is excellently presented by Margaret Larkin, who has been a live worker with the group from its inception...

...Although the movement for working class plays is so new in America, several differing types of theatres are developing...

...Amateur and Professional The amateur groups have contributed to the growth of the new professional theatres in many ways, especially by stimulating a desire on the part of workers for theatre that would reflect their own lives and problems, and so helping to create a wide audience...

...Norwegian Socialists Again Victorious Recent municipal elections in Norway brought another victory for the Socialists and a promise of further progress in the parliamentary elections to be held next year...

...In this play we will utilize the members of our permanent company, and, on the other hand, we will look about for the host available outside talent for several roles as welL If these can be properly filled by members ef eat studio, they will of course receive first consideration...

...The overwhelming majority of the Russian working class, composed largely of young peasants but recently come from the village, know nothing of Socialism or Socialist enthusiasm...

...In last weeks article we indicated what Russia is not...

...The book is designed to give English-reading inhabitants of the Soviet Union an idea of what is going on in the metropolis of the Western world...

...The victory is attributed in large part to the demonstration given by the Socialist government of Premier Johann Nygaardsvold of its ability to pursue a constructive policy of national reform and rehabilitation...

...But this has been purchased at the price of tremendous sacrifice and by unprecedented decline in the standard of living of the masses...

...The principal speaker was Azana, prime minister of the former Socialist-republican government...

...Socialists, liberals and republicans have formed a united front in Spain against the conservative-reactionary government, dominated by the TttTTtnl leader Gil Robles...

...It is confirmed by information supplied us regularly by our own comrades in Russia...

...Oneact plays, skits, and other short forms are all the amateur group can undertake in most cases, and these must have simple productions if they are to be transported to workers' halls...

...What final form our ajasjpgj will take depends upon ssssq...

...Downward from" this aristocracy rank the other classes lower and ever lower, until we reach the small official who is not a member of the Communist Party, or merely a "rank and filer" or a "nonpartisan...

...rade Abramowitsch was pasted onthe figure of another man, and the dress suit, the cigarette, the glass of wine and the lady were added to the features of the austere Russian Socialist by a process of faking known in the art department of every newspaper in the world...

...Whether in Spain, Italy, Germany or Russia—it is the same story...

...Member of the Executive, Labor and Socialist International (Concluded from last week) I DO not mean-to suggest that those who have brought about the state of affairs in existence in Russia are guided by any spirit of enmity toward the working class...

...When the chairman declared that he was forbidden by the police to speak of Caballero and Peas, two leading Socialists now in jail, the crowd roared back in reply "Long live Caballero and Pena...

...Thus are the inhabitants ef the Soviet Union, denied the right to travel abroad, denied access so publications from other countries and subject to a complete aad ruthless press censorship, "informed" on what is going on hi the outside world, especially with regard to the Labor- and Socialist movement...

...Ia "Black Pit," 12 out of the 17 had this same close connection...

...But, you will ask, perhaps despite this fact, and through some miracle (is not Soviet Russia the land of miracles...

...REBEL ARTS A house-warming and welcomeback tea will be given Sanday afternoon by Rebel Arts, cultural auxiliary of the party, at its headquarters, 44 East 21st Street...

...As regards the question of socialization, I am too much of a Marxist not to know that Socialism cannot be 'made,' but that Socialism mast be the product ef development...

...It is ever easier to attract both fine acting talent aad sympathetic actors to us, for there are daily recruits to the group of socially conscious actors, of real competence, from which we cos draw our casts...

...When it became no longer possible to deny the truth, the Communists cjmnged their tune...

...We believed that it would be incorrect to take time to form and educate a permanent company in advance of production...

...He must -work fourteen hours a day (on two jobs of seven hours each) to keep his family alive...

...His article will appear in next week's issue of The New header...

...In the salsa, however, our first plays were east from Broadway...

...We have many examples of such control in Sweden...

...And all of them must obey their superiors...

...It is encouraging to learn, however, that under the leadership of the Socialists the workers of Spain are not quiescent in the face ef the crimes being perpetrated by the reactionary government in power...

...there are being born in the souls of the Russian workers the sentiments, habits and mode of conduct considered necessary by Socialists for the development of that sense of solidarity, equality, fraternity end voluntary discipline without which a Socialist society is impossible ? All reliable information available on this point, the facts to be extracted from the Soviet press itself, reports brought back from Soviet Russia by persons best qualified by knowledge and experience to pronounce judgment (which excludes, of course, the professional propagandists and gullible tourists) confirm the undeniable troth that there are among the younger generation in Russia a certain number of enthusiastic idealists who are making sacrifices, who are aflame with Socialist zeal, who believe that they are building a new world...

...They'ate not citizens ef a Socialist state...

...This is true of both cities and villages and is attested by the testimony* of all serious observers and witnesses...

...There can he no doubt ef the effectivenes of this plan...

...The Socialists now hold a majority in 182 municipalities as against 88 preceding the recent municipal contests...

...Another important change • policy will be a lowered price scale...

...The government which has been parading as a revolutionary -government seeking tee overthrow ef capitalism, now hesitates to break a commercial treaty because, forsooth, this would mean the loss ef-some bleed profits aad would arouse Mussolini's displeasure...

...aa • means of expanding its influence, and as a means ef financially maintaining its permanent company...

...to retain as much as possible of the product of his toil for himself and his family...

...Thus, Edwin Seavsr, editor of Soviet Russia Today, a Communist propaganda journal devoted to dissemination of false and misleading information about Soviet Russia, declared in a letter to the New York Post that Soviet Russia was quite justified in supplying Mussolini with food-and materials to help him strangle helpless Ethiopia...

...Meanwhile,.the Communists are continuing their anti-fascist doss-' castrations outside of Russia and calling for united frost to save Ethiopia...

...These new class differentiations nrrmemfr the ahnlp of Russian to the smallest details...

...What is happening in Spain, Italy and Germany is only a repetition of what has been taking place in Russia from the very first day of the Communist regime...

...No prophet can predict which method of organization will be -proven the soundest...

...Several considerations have governed this ibaaaa net the toast among them oar feeling that our audience will benefit greatly be being able ia far greatly by being able in tag from the best seats in the houseThis illustrates the final important point of this article...

...The necessity of making a beginning dictated thig policy...

...There is bo more bitter enemy of Socialism today than the Russian peasantry...

...They rule ever the state...

...And the sfark fact is that tlte direction in which the Bolshevist ship is moving is the worst and most cruel form of state capitalism, a condition of society in which the despotic government machine plays the role of a ruthless capitalist exploiter...

...The picture of Raphael Abramo•witsch adjoining the dipping it a fake and...

...A picture of the head of Com...

...The ismi ¦ 11 is clear: Soviet Russia is a state-capitalist country, in which small groups of fHirers, directors, commander*, dictators, and higher officials, dominated by one fiihrer who rules the state and party machines, play the role of a "COLLECTIVE CAPITALIST...

...While President Zamora and Premier Lerroux are inclined to grant the demands, the reactionaries are bitterly opposed to any concessions...

...The number of seats in municipal councils held by Socialists was increased from 1923 to 5,101...

...to break its treaty" with Rome "would not stop other nations from trading with that country...

...d clumsy fabrication...

...They are classes of consumers, not of capitalists permitted to operate projection on a private basis...

...Socialist* and Socialization The approach of Scandinavian Socialists to the tasks before them may be gleaned from an illuminating interview in the Prague Sozialdemok-rat at August 7 with Premier Hansson of Sweden, who heads the Socialist-liberal coalition in that country...

...The discontent and bitterness of the peasants are on the increase...

...Soviet Russia is very far removed from Socialism...

...they have their roots in the professional theatre...

...are meeting Tuesday and Thursday nights and the chorus on Wednesdays at seven p. m. New applicants are welcomed...

...A new aristocracy is developing, possessing its ownhomes (the highest form of privilege in Soviet Russia), with its own school* and kindergartens for its children, plenty of food, adequate medical attention, country retreats, automobiles, good restaurants, fine clothes, etc...

...Bat these constitute a very small minority...