Theater and film have acted as crucibles in which we can watch forbidden and restricted thoughts expressed, and discuss them without "really" discussing them. Vaclav Havel is a playwright, too. France's ancien regime was greatly undermined by the theatrical satire of the class structure in the 1770s and 1780s. Irish nationalism was galvanized around the Abbey Theater. Hollywood was a favorite target of Senator Joseph McCarthy.

Watch what comes out of Chinese theater and film. This process of expression of the forbidden continues.

Actors themselves are in the business of looking and living outside the range of popular and acceptable thought. Their work affects and is affected by their personal characters.

Remember this the next time you hear the Right hollering about actors' politics. If theatrical protest and satire are OK, and even courageous in Iraq (and no argument on that point from me), why on Earth would it be considered less than healthy or more than an annoyance here?

Regards--
Mary Anne