How does one define political theater? Those who favor conservative or
             right-wing views may first think of it as leftist propaganda. Individuals who
             enjoy mainstream plays and straightforward plots, see it as one-sided and
             pedantic. It is true that inferior productions of these performances can be
             dogmatic and strident, but every art form has its detractors. However,
             political theater at its best emphasizes an important societal issue of the
             day and delivers a message to viewers of all backgrounds and interests. It
             wishes to be anything but a political party line or single-dimensional in
             nature. Audiences with a wider view consider political theatre ranging far
             outside mere polemics. As playwright and journalist, Ben Winters states,
             "political theatre can also be defined as exploring themes more universal
             and central to society itself, especially when that society defines itself
             as politically conscious." Adds playwright Jessica Blank, "First and
             foremost, what we wanted to do was make a good piece of theatre, political
             or not. If the piece also has a purpose, it can serve that purpose better
             the better a work of art it is." Surely, El Teatro Campesino Theatre and
             Bread and Puppet Theatre exemplify this higher level of political
             Peter Schumann formed The Bread & Puppet Theatre in 1962 on New York
             City's Lower East Side. It was named for the coarse, flavorful sourdough
             bread that was given out at its performances, and for the grave, evocative
             puppet figures that were the theatre's main performers. During the 60s
             decade, Bread and Puppet took to the streets, creating outdoor shows,
             giving expression to neighborhood issues and taking part in peace parades.
             Since then, it has included work in many different styles, from simple
             ten-minute performances that can be put on by two people in the street to
             full-length theatre pieces that require casts of twenty or more. Puppeteers
             ...