Theatre propaganda

Nature

The use of plays and other theatre entertainment to influence public opinion in favour of a political ideal or government policies may be on a national scale or internationally through cultural exchange programmes. This can be a very subtle form of propaganda. Plays and other entertainments may be satirical or convey a message of moralism and utopianism. They may contain government or official information misleadingly presented. Presentations may be folkloric promoting the indigenous charms of the country in question. Theatre propaganda may lead to cultural stagnation, conformism and idealism, ignorance and prejudice. If it is the result of subversive activities it may lead to imprisonment or deportation and the closure of the theatre. Alternatively, it may induce subversive activities, conflict and propaganda. It may strengthen government control or dictatorship.

Background

Theatre propaganda emerged as a significant global concern in the early 20th century, notably during periods of political upheaval such as the Russian Revolution and World War II, when governments recognized the stage’s persuasive power. Its importance grew as regimes across Europe, Asia, and the Americas systematically employed theatrical productions to shape public opinion, mobilize support, and suppress dissent. Scholarly attention intensified post-war, revealing theatre’s enduring role in ideological dissemination and social engineering.

Incidence

Theatre propaganda has been employed across continents and political systems, with state and non-state actors using live performance to influence public opinion, reinforce ideologies, and legitimize authority. Its reach extends from government-sponsored productions in authoritarian regimes to covertly funded plays in democratic societies, affecting millions of audience members annually. The global proliferation of theatre festivals and touring companies has further facilitated the cross-border dissemination of propagandistic narratives, making this phenomenon a persistent and significant concern in the cultural sphere.
In 2022, Belarusian state theatres staged plays glorifying government policies and discrediting opposition movements, following the disputed 2020 presidential election. These productions, performed in Minsk and other major cities, were widely reported as part of a broader campaign to suppress dissent and shape public perception through cultural means.

Claim

Theatre propaganda is a deeply troubling issue that undermines the very essence of artistic expression. When theatre is manipulated to serve political agendas, it distorts truth, stifles creativity, and manipulates audiences. This dangerous practice erodes public trust, silences dissenting voices, and transforms a powerful medium for reflection and dialogue into a tool for indoctrination. Addressing theatre propaganda is crucial to preserving the integrity and freedom of the performing arts.

Counter-claim

Theatre propaganda is hardly an important problem in today’s world. With the overwhelming influence of digital media, theatre’s reach is limited and its impact on public opinion is minimal. Worrying about propaganda in such a niche art form is a distraction from real issues. The idea that theatre could meaningfully sway masses or threaten democracy is outdated and exaggerated. There are far more pressing concerns deserving our attention than this negligible phenomenon.

Broader

Propaganda

Film propaganda

Strategy

Reducing use of theatre as propaganda

Value

Propaganda

SDG

Sustainable Development Goal #16: Peace and Justice Strong Institutions

Metadata

Database

World problems

Type

(D) Detailed problems

Biological classification

N/A

Subject

Communication » Influencing
Recreation » Theatre

Content quality

Presentable

Language

English

1A4N

D3088

DOCID

11430880

D7NID

171024

Editing link

Official link

https://encyclopedia.uia.org/problem/theatre-propaganda

Last update

Sep 26, 2022