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SFMT celebrates the 75th anniversary of the anti-fascist play
"It Can't Happen Here"
by Sinclair Lewis and John C. Moffitt
with a public reading of the play at our studio
Monday, October 24th, 7:00 pm
On October 27, 1936, "It Can't Happen Here" opened in 22 theaters in 18 cities across the nation. The play, which was adapted by Sinclair Lewis from his best-selling novel of the same name, eventually ran for a total of 260 weeks and was seen by more than 316,000 people.
Hallie Flanagan, director of the Federal Theatre Project - a program of the WPA, and the only National Theatre the U.S. has ever had - said this about the play:
"We want to do 'It Can't Happen Here' because it is about American life today, based on a passionate belief in American democracy. The play says that when dictatorship comes to threaten such a democracy, it comes in an apparently harmless guise, with parades and promises; but that when such dictatorship arrives, the promises are not kept and the parade grounds become encampments."
In the 1936 nationwide premiere of "It Can't Happen Here," each participating theater produced its own interpretation of the play. The Birmingham production mounted the show as a political rally. The Yiddish productions played off of what was happening in Europe at the time. The 'Negro" production in Seattle and the Spanish-language production in Tampa both focused on the effects of a white dictatorship on minorities. SFMT is one of over a dozen theatres across the country that will be participating in this anniversary reading. Amazingly (frighteningly), the content and theme of this 75 year-old play could not be more timely! For a full schedule of readings across the country, see the Facebook page for the Nationwide Reading of It Can't Happen Here. FREE - Donations Welcome SPACE IS LIMITED - YOU MUST RSVP! email jenee@sfmt.org or call 415-285-1717 to reserve seats
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Help Lower SFMT's Debt Ceiling
by "adopting" one of our bills!
With the 2011 summer performance season now officially behind us, SFMT can gladly say that we've managed to meet our mission of "performing for the broadest possible audience" for yet another year. Time to relax and start thinking about the upcoming Youth Theatre Project, maybe even about next year's show ....
Oh, but wait. There's still a bunch of bills sitting around here ... oh, so hard to think ... to create .... but YOU can help! You can "Adopt a Bill!" If you've been meaning to send in a summer appeal donation (or even if you haven't), here's an opportunity to help the Mime Troupe finish closing out the books for the season ... and also gain a little glimpse into what it really costs to keep the show on the road. Click here to see the list of bills we still need to cross off our list. Don't forget, all donations are fully tax-deductible!
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Have you taken a gander at our Wish List recently?
You might just find some things there that are a match for what you have to offer! See our Wish List page for a complete roster of currently needed goods, services and volunteer help ... however we can tell you right now that we are in most desperate need of:
a Passenger Van; a Pickup Truck (automatic pref'd);
2007 or later PC desktop & laptop computers (NEW would be nice!);and Flat Screen Monitors
There's much more to be found on the complete list, though, so give it a look-see .... and as always, we thank you!! |
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xoxox
the San Francisco Mime Troupe
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RIP
Arch Wilson
1923-2011
This summer, the SFMT was saddened to learn of the death of Arch Wilson. Mr. Wilson was a proud WWII veteran, a lifetime activist for progressive causes, a fan of the Troupe, and an avid patron of the arts.
He was also an extremely generous man, and he recognized a number of charitable organizations in his will. The SFMT is honored to be among those to receive a significant bequest from Mr. Wilson, and to be included in such good company as the ACLU, Sierra Club, Theater Rhinoceros, the NAACP, and many more.
Thank you, Arch, and may your generosity ensure continued energy and creativity in the ongoing struggle for justice!
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SFMT's Online Boutique is
open for bizness!
Did you scramble down to the Mime Troupe Boutique after one of this summer's shows, only to discover we were sold out of your favorite item, or didn't have your size?
 | | 2011 Intern, Sienna, in one of our more popular shirt styles |
WELL, we're re-stocked and open for business in our online store. No waiting in line involved, so have at it!
Everything you buy helps to keep us keepin' on, so thanks for your patronage!
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 overthrowing capitalism,one play at a time,since 1959
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