Who is Hallie Flangan and why are they saying these things about her?
Monday, June 2, at 7:30 pm
Date to be announced. June date is a place holder date.
Hallie Flanagan Davis (August 27, 1889 – June 23, 1969) was an American theatrical producer and director, playwright, and author, best known as director of the Federal Theatre Project, a part of the Works Progress Administration.
In 1938, Flanagan was called to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee under suspicion of supporting a socialist agenda and subverting American values through her work at the Federal Theatre Project. After just four years, the Federal Theatre Project's appropriation was discontinued, and Flanagan returned to Vassar.
"Will you please state what your position is, Mrs. Flanagan?"
"I am national director of the Federal Theater under the Works Progress Administration."
"How long have you held that position?"
"Since the inception of the project, Congressman Dies, on August 29, 1935."
"Now, will you tell us briefly the duties of your position?
"Yes, Congressman Dies. Since August 29, 1935, I have been concerned with combating un-American inactivity."
"No. We will get to that in a minute."
"Please listen. I said I am combating un-American inactivity."
"Inactivity?"
"I refer to the inactivity of professional men and women; people who, at that time when I took office, were on the relief rolls; and it was my job to expend the appropriation laid aside by congressional vote for the relief of the unemployed as it related to the field of the theater, and to set up projects wherever in any city 25 or more of such professionals were found on the relief rolls."