The Wasp — October 4, 1879 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis of "When the Cat's Away, The Mice Are At..." This cartoon depicts the **Bush Street Theatre** in San Francisco, with the marquee spelling "TIVOLI" downward. The scene shows elegant patrons and performers outside the theatre in what appears to be a moment of revelry or transgressive behavior. The caption "When the Cat's Away, The Mice Are At..." references the proverb suggesting misbehavior occurs in the absence of authority/supervision. The satire likely critiques either: - Theatrical performers or patrons engaging in scandalous conduct - Theater management's questionable practices when oversight is absent - Or possibly the venue's reputation for loose moral standards The specific historical context and identities of figures remain unclear without additional documentation about this particular Wasp publication date.