The Federal  Theater Project. led by the dynamic Hallie Flanagan, gave jobs to actors, writers, directors, set designers, and others, who produced some of the most innovative plays seen in the American theater. These were performed before audiences all over the country, many of whom had never seen a play, who paid close to nothing to see these plays.  Susan Quinn describes all this in her book." With funding of the arts a near-continual crisis in America - and certainly in Boston - Quinn's book is sure to resonate today. Quinn will be using film footage to illustrate her talk. Tickets are $5 and available across the street at Brookline Booksmith, which is sponsoring the date.

290 Harvard St., Brookline, 617-734-2800 www.coolidge.org