Head for the DMZ
In 1968, two Columbia University professors, Isaiah Sheffer (b. 1935) and Eric Bentley (b. 1916), opened a political satire cabaret “DMZ,” a venue rooted in European urban culture, but rare in the United States. Bentley noted, “Our idea for radical satire wasn’t acceptable everywhere.” He surmised that club owners “didn’t mind being outspoken on sex, but wanted to be polite on politics.” Jules Feiffer contributed a poster and satiric sketches for the cabaret, which survived off and on for four years.
In 1968, two Columbia University professors, Isaiah Sheffer (b. 1935) and Eric Bentley (b. 1916), opened a political satire cabaret “DMZ,” a venue rooted in European urban culture, but rare in the United States. Bentley noted, “Our idea for radical satire wasn’t acceptable everywhere.” He surmised that club owners “didn’t mind being outspoken on sex, but wanted to be polite on politics.” Jules Feiffer contributed a poster and satiric sketches for the cabaret, which survived off and on for four years.