Theatre propaganda

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.