Arnaud d'Usseau - Icon Profile | Alexandria
Arnaud d'Usseau (1916-1990) was an American playwright, screenwriter, and political activist whose career embodied the tumultuous intersection of art and politics in mid-20th century America. Best known for his collaborative works with James Gow, particularly the controversial anti-fascist play "Tomorrow the World" (1943), d'Usseau emerged as a significant voice in American theater during World War II and the immediate postwar period.
Born in Los Angeles, California, d'Usseau's entry into the theatrical world coincided with a period of intense political and social upheaval. His early career in Hollywood included work as a story editor and screenwriter, but it was his partnership with James Gow that would define his most productive creative period. Their collaboration produced several socially conscious plays that tackled controversial themes, including racism, antisemitism, and political extremism.
The success of "Tomorrow the World," which ran for 500 performances on Broadway, established d'Usseau as a prominent figure in American theater. However, his career was dramatically altered during the McCarthy era when he was blacklisted after refusing to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) in 1950. This period of political persecution forced him underground professionally, though he continued to write under pseudonyms.
D'Usseau's work exemplified the complex relationship between art and political activism in mid-century America. His plays, characterized by their bold exploration of social issues and moral dilemmas, influenced subsequent generations of politically engaged playwrights. The impact of his blacklisting experience, shared by many artists of his era, remains a powerful reminder of the price of political conviction in American cultural history.
Today, d'Usseau's legacy serves as both a testament to artistic resistance and a cautionary tale about the fragility of creative freedom under political pressure. His story continues to resonate with contemporary discussions about artistic expression, political persecution, and the role of theater in addressing social issues. The question of how artists navigate the demands of art and political conscience, so central to d'Usseau's life and work, remains remarkably relevant in our own time.