Theaters and concerts
Many theaters closed once the fighting started as employees and performers joined the draft. Parisians were in no mood for entertainment. Gradually, though, activity picked back up as the war dragged on, although it remained strictly censored and subject to strict security and energy-saving measures. Theaters also had to compete with movies and newsreels, and going to see a show even felt useless or even immoral. Programming became deeply patriotic, and many shows were also part of fund-raising and charitable events or patriotic days. Other shows were organised to entertain the people who needed it most —refugees, soldiers on leave, the wounded and convalescents. Lyrical and dramatic performers also donated their performances to the war effort. Shows were held in traditional halls or in parks and hospitals, offering Parisians the opportunity to hear hymns and patriotic songs or to admire the uniforms of Allied musicians.
