Defying Censorship: The Radical Rebirth of "The Cradle Will Rock"

In a bold move, the IN Series is kicking off its "Illicit Opera" season with a production of "The Cradle Will Rock," Marc Blitzstein's radically pro-worker folk opera that was famously shut down by the federal government on its opening night in 1936. Undeterred by the ban, the cast schlepped to another theater, where they performed from the audience, accompanied only by Blitzstein at the piano on stage. Now, nearly a century later, the IN Series is reviving this seminal work, with Shanara Gabrielle, the producing artistic director of the politically charged Theater Alliance, at the helm.

Unapologetically Championing Social Justice through the Arts

Shanara Gabrielle: A Trailblazer in Socially Conscious Theater

Shanara Gabrielle, the director of the IN Series' production of "The Cradle Will Rock," is a theater artist whose work is deeply rooted in the pursuit of social justice. In a recent interview, she shared her unwavering commitment to using the stage as a platform for driving societal change. Gabrielle's artistic statement and manifesto make it clear that she has little patience for art that lacks a social conscience, as she believes that connecting her work to the pressing issues of the day is her true purpose.Gabrielle's passion for social justice was forged in the crucible of her upbringing in Iowa, where the state's caucus system instilled in her a deep appreciation for the power of civic engagement and the importance of listening to diverse perspectives. Her experiences in St. Louis during the aftermath of the Michael Brown shooting further solidified her conviction that theater can and should be a tool for combating systemic injustice.

Bridging the Gap: Translating Transient Theater into Lasting Impact

Gabrielle's approach to theater is not merely about entertainment, but about creating works that challenge audiences to confront the realities of the world around them. She is acutely aware of the ephemeral nature of live performance and the challenge of translating that experience into lasting change. Rather than resorting to direct calls to action, Gabrielle believes in the power of storytelling to plant seeds of reflection and inspire audiences to grapple with the issues long after the curtain has fallen.Gabrielle's work with the musical "Working" at Black Lives Matter Plaza in 2021 exemplifies her commitment to using theater as a vehicle for social impact. By staging the production in a public space, Gabrielle sought to engage a broader audience and connect the themes of the play to the pressing issues of the day. Similarly, her decision to helm the production of "The Cradle Will Rock" is a testament to her belief in the enduring relevance of works that challenge the status quo and champion the rights of the working class.

Embracing the Radical Roots of "The Cradle Will Rock"

Gabrielle's deep understanding of the historical context and political significance of "The Cradle Will Rock" is evident in her approach to the production. She recognizes the work's Brechtian roots, with its direct address to the audience and its refusal to shy away from critiquing the American government and the capitalist system.The infamous story of the work's original 1936 production, where the cast and audience defied the federal government's shutdown by relocating to another theater and performing from the audience, resonates with Gabrielle's own commitment to using theater as a tool for resistance and social change. In her interpretation, the work's allegorical characters, such as the aptly named "Moll" and the powerful figures of "Mr. Mister" and "Mrs. Mister," serve as a mirror to the power structures and inequities that continue to shape our society.

Staging "The Cradle Will Rock" for the 21st Century

Gabrielle and her design team have approached the staging of "The Cradle Will Rock" with a keen eye towards bridging the gap between the work's historical context and its contemporary relevance. By blending 1930s aesthetics with a distinctly modern sensibility, they aim to create a production that feels both grounded in the past and urgently relevant to the present.The decision to double-cast characters, with performers playing both the "haves" and the "have-nots," is a deliberate choice to underscore the play's message that we are all complicit in the systems of power and oppression that it critiques. Gabrielle's goal is to challenge the audience to confront their own role in perpetuating or resisting these structures, rather than simply presenting a clear-cut narrative of good versus evil.As the 2024 presidential election season looms, Gabrielle believes that "The Cradle Will Rock" will resonate with audiences in profound and unexpected ways. The work's scathing indictment of the corrupting influence of money and power in American politics speaks directly to the issues that will be at the forefront of the national discourse. By staging this seminal work, the IN Series and Shanara Gabrielle are not only honoring its radical legacy but also using it as a springboard to ignite a new generation of social and political engagement through the power of the arts.