Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-01-24
Lord Dundrearv,s Son.

TALK WITH YOUNG soTHRRN IN HIS pREssrNo- ROOM
WHY HE DOESN'T PLAY 1.-THE CRUSHED TRACE
pIANT-LoOKING FOR NEW PLAY-HIs REASON FOE
CONTINUING In THE "GovERNoR'sn FoorsrEPs.
After the curtain had been rung down and the
last OF the spectators had made his way out OF the
theater, STAR reporter stumbled, CROPPED his way
through the dark intr1cacies behind the scenes a,
Ford's Opera House until he found himself in the
little apartment, about the size Of steamboat
state-room, known as the stars dressing room. A
blonde wig hung on peg, a pot OF two OF pigments
robe were scattered about. Before lOOking-g glass
undergoing the changes incident to translation
from the ideal world OF the stage the real world
OF every day life was the person whom the reportes
sought, Mr.. LyttOn Sothern. son OF the late e A.
SOthern. and heir to the title Of Lord Dundreary'
straight, well-prOportiOned figure and large and
fine dark eyes He welcomed the reporter heartily
and chatted pleasantly while eomplt ting his trans
ton that betrays his English nativity and training
'No; this is not my first visit to Washington he
played at the National Jack Saville was manager
OF the theater then That must have been ten
years ago."
"You began your career as star In Australia ~
Eyes. played there year, and remained there
year shooting up In the country among the blacks
Australia Is good field for dramatic enterprises,
only II is so far away. A man who goes there must
expect to lose about four months out OF the year
going and coming, and it doesn't pay played in
England in Birmingham and at the Haymarket In
Wyndham'S company. was with Wyndham for
three years and learned about all know Of the
business with him"
Ibid you not serve sort OF apprenticeship under
your father:' asked the reporter
1.-The governor always said that he wanted me to
learn the stage from the very start. USED to act
as his business manager and whenever any men,
Der OK the company was sick l had to go on and
play his part. had to know every part in the
plays continued Mir. Sothern, smiling .sThen
used to stand in the wings and watch the governor
when he was on the stage For years had to 60
rfr ivt hor
to rehearsalS."
Don't you think it was rather dangerous expe
riinent to follow him in his plays?'
"l eS. 1t was quite an undertaking, said Mr. SOth-
ern. III had made mess OF 1t. it would have
been bad for me; but thought that If ! succeeded
could get hearing for anything might want to
undertake in the future. believe that have won
the confidence of the theater goers in England. to
such an extent that when go back there with
ieople ask Inc sometimes why don't get an origi-
Nal play. There's the trouble | have enough
plays to MI saratoga trunk. but can't get good
one 1t IS laughable to read some of the plays that
nave netn sent TO me. There is one, for instance,
In which there IS duel in the first scene. Num-
Der one is then run on mean the fiat In the first
groove on the Stage-and the second scene follows.
ON the fiat IS painted a tombstone, Sacred to the
memory OF -,, the man who was just the no
Kills him comes on with the sweetheart CT th dead
man That IS sample. II could get good play
l would like it,
"Why is 1t that 'The Crushed Tragedlan is not
On your list of plays?" asked the reporter.
do YOU know l never saw the governor play
that They say it was very good. guess he would
have mlde lots Of money out OF IL. | have the
lnanso ript. and will play 1t sometime, hut want
TO get new play first III put On the new play
and Their ''rhe Crushed T'ragedian.'"
"How have YOU been received generally in cities
where your father was we'll Enown?'
..ns ery kindly al snyeywhere said Mr. sothern
me- a disposition to help Inc along"
There IS an Old story about tue little half-stel
In 'Dundreary' "-began the reporter.
"That it was an accident" said Mr. Sothern di.
vining what the question would be- "That is true
have heard the governor tell 1t himself lie hap
pentd upon the step by accident, and ii made hit
81 heard a man In 'front.'" said Manager Sewen
VINO had dropped in. 'say that you had changed
wonderfully since he saw you with McCuiough."
"have You played with McCullough?" asked the
reporter
''No,' said Mr.. Sothern. s'that is my younge,
brother. lie is playing with MCCULLOUGH now.
Heavy tragedy parts" and the actor assumed a
long. solemn face. 10 Indicate the doieui nature
ms brothers business. The transition from the
ideal to the real was then completed and the dress
lng room and interview were Closed at the SAME
lfule.