Deeply explored the phenomenon of deindustrialization since the 1970s and its manifestations in literary and theatrical works. As an interdisciplinary research topic, deindustrialization reflects the impact of economic forces on the lives of the working class through various forms such as documentary works, novels, poetry, dramas, and film and television dramas. The narrative of deindustrialization in the United States is particularly prominent, with similarities in time and space settings and a tendency towards ethnicity. Representative writers and playwrights include Hernandez, Mayer, Onan, Odell, Florenoy, Daniels, Moriso, and Nottage. After 2010, a concentration of deindustrialized works emerged on the American theater stage, among which Morrison's "Backbone Members" and Nottage's "Sweat" were particularly eye-catching. Sweat, with its theme of deindustrialization and realistic depiction of the lives of blue collar workers in rust belt cities, has sparked widespread social attention and discussion. The performance of the drama before and after the 2016 US election, echoing Trump's campaign manifesto, is considered the drummer of the 'pre Trump era'. However, despite the theatrical characteristics and deindustrialized narrative identity of 'Sweat' receiving some attention in the media, the level of attention given to it by the domestic and international critical circles is still insufficient. This article aims to comprehensively analyze the relationship between the deindustrialization theme of "Sweat" and the Rust Belt city of Reading, work, and blue collar workers from the perspectives of politics, history, and social context, as well as the playwright's expression of realistic concerns and political tendencies through theatrical works.

Theater Reproduction of Narrative Landscape: Reading City on and Off Stage

In depth exploration of the representation of deindustrialization narrative in theater, with Reading as the background, showcases the impact of deindustrialization on cities and individuals through the play 'Sweat'. The author analyzes how writers such as Campbell and Zadorian use deindustrialized landscapes to create atmosphere and depict characters, while pointing out that the stage prompts in "Sweat" adopt a restrained realism style, which contrasts with the sentimental and nostalgic descriptions.

The Narrative Core Under the Spotlight: "Work"

Deeply explored the core position of "work" in the narrative of deindustrialization, as well as its key role in the process of dramatization. By analyzing works such as' Sweat ', it reveals the importance of work for personal dignity and stable life, as well as the disorder and despair brought about by unemployment. Through comparative case studies, the drama showcases the dual impact of work on workers, while taking the opportunity to examine the US government's deindustrialization strategy and related economic policies, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement, pointing out its negative impact on manufacturing jobs. In addition, the drama emphasizes the disappointment of unemployed workers towards politics and their dissatisfaction with politicians through the background of the presidential election. The performance version of 'Sweat' achieved interaction between reality and theater by showcasing real election scenes and recording clips, sparking heated political discussions. As a typical case of deindustrialization narrative, this drama has successfully aroused public attention and resonance on this major social issue.

Narrative subject groupization: class, race, and immigration issues both inside and outside the theater

In depth exploration of the presentation of deindustrialization narrative in art works, particularly playwright Novachi's portrayal and differentiation of traditional manufacturing workers in "Sweat". By shaping diverse worker images, Nottachi emphasized the class divisions and social injustice exacerbated by deindustrialization, while revealing the internal divisions of worker groups during crises. She used a realistic approach, based on thorough field research, to shape well-rounded characters and environments, using the theater to speak out for marginalized blue collar workers and draw attention to the consequences of deindustrialization in society.