Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-11-11
THE PASSION PLAY
To be Revived this Winter fn New Work
at New Theafer that
Is Being
Specially Prepared for 1.-THE Scenic
Effects and Costume TO be His
tOrfcaIly Correct.

NEW YORK, November 8.-The Tribune
says that Notwithstanding the violent eppo-
sition made 10 the attempt TO produce the
Passion Play two years ago arrangements are
now under way 10 bring it out in this city in
December. Salmi Morse, the author OF the
play, will superintend its production. the
present undertaking is said TO have been
suggested by friends who believe that the
work once properly brought out will he re-
garded favorably. Those who are interested
in the performances expect opposition, but
they say that no amount of public disap-
proval will prevent the experiment from
being made. The play has been modified in
some respects. Great care is also being
taken to remove former grounds of objection
IN the circumstances of its production. New
eriheless it is thought that the dramatic
representation of the scenes of the Passion
will be looked upon as hsgrant violation
of sacred traditions. That there has been
SO little antagonism 10 the undertaking so
far il due to the fact that few have credited
the announcement. Without doubt when
1t is seen that the representation is really TO
be given an ouicry will be made against il.
"The performance will be given" said a
friend of the author to Tribune reporter,
without regard to any objections that may
be urged agsInst II"
part of the public?"
Not as much as there was when il WIS
proposed TO produce the play two years sgo
under the management of Mr.. Abbey. The
conditions are very different"
"lu what respect?"
Then the perform nee was 10 have taken
place in theater. This time building
will be fitted up expressly for the purpose
Many based their objections before on the
nd haf oh a.ho
take place on a stage where Sarah Bernhard
had just been playing an engagement.
Another change is that instead of profess
slonal actors and actresses taking the lead
log parts, ii of the characters will be i'm
personated by amateurs. There will not be
single theatrical person in the cast"
Was this change made in Difference to
public epinion?"
swell, yes. While the author has no
scruples himself he has reasonable respect
for the opinions of Others"
as it thought that amateurs will be able
TO give creditable performance?"
They will be drilled in their parts until
they are thoroughly imbued with the spirit
OF the work. Only persons will be selected to
take part who are known to have decided
dramatic ability"
"Who will play the leading charactsr?'
81 am now in correspondence with man
who is admirably fitted by nature to imper-
senate 1t. He is professor of languages
and man OF good position. He has The
gentlest couutenance and is the softest- an
neTed man L have ever SEEN"
"Will the identity of the performers be
discosed?"
Their names will be withheld, for the
reason thst it is unnecessary to make them
known. The design is to interest the audi
ence in the scenes and incidents on the stage
and not in the players themselves"
How many performers will there be in
ALL"
"About six hundred"
an what respect has the play been modi-
fied?"
at will end with Christ's condemnation
10 death. At San Francisco crucif xion
scene was given. II is intended to represent
Christ the man and not Christ The God"
"What will be the opening scene"
"The play will begin with the presenta-
tion at Jerusalem, and proceed with the
leading incidents of Christ's life and con-
demnation to DEATH"
Are the costumes TO be used that were
made for Mr.. Abbey?"
"Ihe costumes will be entirely new Some
of them will be rich in design and color"
when will the first performance be
giveu"
"The day has not been set, but it will take
place sometime during Christmas week at
the old Armory building in Twenty third
street. This is now being converted into u
{ ieater building The seats will be arranged
as in other heaters, but the decorations will
be subdued. There will be Ilcony and
gallery. The stage will be very large, so as
to accommodate large number of perform
ers. The proscenium arch will be sixty feet
wide. The orchestra will be concealed from
view"
til -.....- 49, Ill L. -. %,