Politics as Theatre.

The article reflects on the link between politics and theatre. From 1980 to 1988, while a former Hollywood actor served as president of the United States, it became increasingly difficult for me to discuss theatre without referring to the Actor in Chief. Ronald Reagan's progress from Hollywood films to White House press conferences attested to a theatricalized society which has praised politicians and office-seekers for gifts previously appreciated in actors. Reagan's rehearsals for press conferences and his reliance on media advisers called attention to the inherent theatricality of political events. An interest in political satire, theatre, and local politics first led me to campaign for elected office in 1985, as a candidate for the New Haven Board of Alders; in 1986, I ran for the Connecticut State House of Representatives; and in 1988, for the state senate. New Haven's Green party, like Germany's, was founded to oppose nuclear weapons and nuclear power, and protect the environment. The New Haven Green party remains a largely serious alternative to local Democratic and Republican parties, which have failed to address the city's worst problems.