The Hays Code and Its Impact on Live Theater

Introduction to The Hays Code

The Hays Code, also known as the Motion Picture Production Code, was a set of guidelines for the American film industry from 1934 to 1968. These regulations aimed to enforce moral and social standards on the content of films. However, the impact of such stringent guidelines was not limited to the film industry alone. This article explores whether there ever was a version of the Hays Code for live theater, specifically for British theatre.

The Hays Code for Live Theatre: What’s the Story?

The American film industry experienced a transformative period with the Hays Code taking hold, but its influence extended to other art forms. Notably, in the world of live theater, various regulations and stipulations were in place to ensure adherence to certain ethical and moral standards.

Approval for British Theatre

British theatre had its own set of regulations. Unlike American theatre, British theatres had to obtain approval from the Lord Chancellor or a designated authority before the performance of any play. This stipulation aimed to ensure that the content met the criteria set by the government. However, it's important to note that these regulations were more relaxed in British clubs where one had to be a member to attend a show.

Sources [1] confirm that the first play to avoid the need for this approval was “Hair” in 1970s London. “Hair” was a groundbreaking production that challenged traditional norms and boundaries, leading to an era of more liberal and daring theatrical works.

Swearing and Nudity in Theatre

Moreover, the Hays Code or its equivalent had a significant impact on the kinds of language and content that could be used in live theater. For instance, during the 1960s and beyond, many plays contained explicit language, including swearing, which was heavily restricted by the Hays Code. The first play with considerable swearing was “Hair” (1967). While “Hair” stood out, it was not the only one.

“Hair” and Its Impact

The inclusion of off-color language in “Hair” led to a warning in the advertising, reflecting how these plays were perceived. In the same period, “Equus” (1973) also challenged societal norms with its graphic content and themes. These plays showcased the limits and sometimes transgressions of the Hays Code during this era.

[2] notes that “Hair” broke the mold with its liberal and experimental approach to language and content. The first time a play of this nature did not need the approval process was a significant milestone, marking the beginning of a new era in theatre.

Conclusion

In conclusion, although there was no formal version of the Hays Code for live theatre, the principles and regulations affected the content and presentation of plays on both sides of the Atlantic. British theatre had its own set of rules, which were more lenient for certain types of spaces, such as clubs. As time progressed, plays like “Hair” and “Equus” pushed the boundaries of social norms, leading to more openness and daring productions in the live theatre scene.

Related Keywords: Hays Code, Theatre Regulation, Live Theater