Mercury Theatre

Mercury Theatre was a professional American theater company founded in 1937 by actors Orson Welles and John Houseman. They were known for innovative and high-quality productions, often tackling classic plays and presenting them with a modern, creative touch. The Mercury Theatre gained widespread fame for Welles' groundbreaking 1938 radio broadcast of "The War of the Worlds," which famously caused some listeners to believe an actual alien invasion was happening. The theater was influential in shaping American drama and broadcasting, emphasizing artistic experimentation and social relevance. It disbanded in 1941, but its legacy continues through its impact on theater and radio.