The art of revolution: The political impact of playwright Vaclav Havel

This thesis addresses the question: does theatre have political significance? This thesis examines the development of theatre as a political force in Czechoslovakia from the Soviet invasion in 1968 to the "Velvet Revolution" in 1989. The "Velvet Revolution" peacefully overthrew the Soviet Communist government. Using playwright Vaclav Havel's involvement in the development of the "Velvet Revolution" as a case study, this thesis asserts that theatre is a political force. An examination of Havel's role in the events leading the "Velvet Revolution" show that his work as an artist placed him at the center of the struggle for democracy in Communist Czechoslovakia. Particular attention is paid to Havel's "Vanek Plays" which provide a back drop for much of his political and artistic activities.