THE PERFORMING ARTS

by Rockefeller Panel Report ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 8, 1965

A Rockefeller Panel Report on the future of the performing arts in the United States, alternately gloomy and rosy, pinpointing the problems, prospects and possible solutions, mixing the voice of civic conscience with that of the statistical analyst, blending every now and then into italicized editorial hosannas. Naturally, to say that it is dull is to be a bit irrelevant. This long, solemn, exhaustive (a euphemism for tiresome?) study was hardly made for entertainment, even though what it discusses is the Theatre, the Opera, the Dance, the Symphonic Orchestra. In any case, since many of the recommendations are challenging and/or controversial, since the financial health of much highbrow culture appears to be truly scandalous (e.g. most performers must be very, very interested in the anti-poverty drive), and since there's a much needed microscopic breakdown of organization and management, corporate and foundation support, the role of the university and of government, the Report is bound to be a newsworthy event. Indeed your reviewer is requested to treat it as CONFIDENTIAL UNTIL THE RELEASE DATE, 6:30 p.m., EST, March 7th. With the Great Society in the wings, the affluence being treated, probably for the first time in democratic history, as some new form of aesthetics, the Report has all the airs of something both chic and pioneering. No doubt its characterization of the arts as a community concern akin to hospitals and schools will seem farfetched to some, or pussyfooting to others. Certainly a reference must.

Pub Date: March 8, 1965

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: McGraw-Hill

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1965

Categories: NONFICTION