Was Mae West's stage entertainment "obscene"?
On Wednesday February 9th, 1927, Mae West was arrested and jailed in Manhattan for obscenity.
The word "obscene" is derived from the Latin "obscenus" [meaning "foul, repulsive, filthy"] which, in turn, is based on an ancient Greek dramatic notion that some acts were too terrible to be shown on stage, therefore, the audience learned of these actions from the Chorus, or from an actor who came running from backstage to inform the viewers that this horrendous murder, violence, catastrophe, or any another unspeakable action had taken place.
In that context, "obscene" meant "backstage" or "offstage" or "behind the scenes."
In other words, an "obscene" or a forbidden sight was not dramatized on the stage. The audience merely HEARD about it.
There is more to come on this subject and actress Mae West, so check back . .
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
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