One-Third of a Nation

Written by Arthur Arent from research by the editorial staff of the Federal Theatre Project, it focused on the problem of housing in the United States and the growth of slums in New York City.

Slowly but steadily, the Buttonkooper gets politicized as he wanders through 100 years of corruption and troubles; he sees the polarity between wealthy landlords and their impoverished tenants.

Written by Arthur Arent from research done by staff at the Federal Theatre Project, the senators' speeches in the play were taken from the Congressional Record.

[5]: 217 Adapted to match specific local housing conditions, the play was presented in nine additional cities[5]: 216, 390  including Cincinnati, Detroit, Hartford, Philadelphia, Portland, Washington DC, and Seattle.

[5]: 216  One-Third of a Nation was presented daily at the Golden Gate International Exposition[5]: 291–292  and was still running in San Francisco when the Federal Theatre Project ended July 1, 1939.

"The worst thing about One-Third of a Nation is that it is true," wrote The Detroit News, which praised its "unforgettable vividness and compelling power...thrilling beyond description...a rare experience in the theatre — not to be missed by anyone.

"[5]: 217  A Philadelphia reviewer criticized the number of people in the cast — missing the point that employment was the reason the Federal Theatre existed — but still granted that the production "frequently smacks you between the eyes with its dramatic force.

[6] The $5,000 fee was given to the Guild Committee for Federal Writers' Publications, a non-profit organization that included Heywood Broun, Franklin P. Adams, Lewis Mumford, and others.

"[7] Backstage reported that "A nimble cast of 11 (the original had 25) delivers the show's still-relevant message — that everyone deserves a decent and affordable place to live — with force and conviction.