What's So Funny? American Theatrical Comedy and Its Relationship to Power

Publication Date

Fall 10-20-2025

Presentation Length

15 minutes

College

College of Music & Performing Arts

Department

Theatre and Dance, Department of

Student Level

Undergraduate

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Jim Al-Shamma

Presentation Type

Talk/Oral

Summary

Theatrical comedy is a powerful weapon, one that Americans have wielded since the founding of their country. From plays satirizing Loyalists in the United States’ infancy to sketch shows that openly mock and criticize the current administration, comedy has been, and continues to be, integral to America’s political landscape. Theatrical comedy has the power to shape public opinion, to educate, and to censor. It is a multi-purpose tool that is used both by those in power and by those in the margins. This paper aims to explore the vastly different ways in which comedy intersects with those two groups.

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