Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1890-08-15

literary standpoint, the most praiseworthy
of his management.
This is certainly the most daring piece
of realism that has ever been achieved on
the French stage, To English and Amer
lean minds the representation of the Sa
viour and his work upon any stage savors
the outset of profanity. In M. Oar
zens' play Jesus appears in flesh and blood,
with his long 1axen locks, attired in snow
white raiment. The author, however, de-
serves credit for not treating his subject in
any irreverent or hooking Or libidinous
strain, as might lave been feared from the
title. The chief part was excellently acted
by M. Mevisto, who compares favorably
with the famous Mayer in the role Of
Christ of Oberammergau Passion Play
renown. The divine words that fell from
the lips of this Menus-Plaisirs Christ were
heard by all present-men. women, jour
nalists, boulevardicrs-with profound re-
spect and emotion. The sensation was
painful, and NJ. Mevisto a the tact to
conceal himself and to decline to acknowl-
edge the vociferous applause that was ac-
corded him at the end of the play, thereby
leaving the audience under the mystic i'm
preston that he had created. Tho play is
a vivid transcription of Mary Magdalen
throwing herself at Christ's feet and wash
ing and amounting them during the meal
with Simon the Pharisee- The author
bases his plot upon the thesis that Magda-
len has in the first place conceived Il mere
ly sensual passion for our Lord, and that
this earthly passion is changed and trans
muted by his divine power into that per-
feet love which Christianity imparts.
a drama,ized version of Remains "Ab-
besse de Jouarre" followed. 1t had only
been played in Italy by the celebrated
Nine. Dusc, who made a marvellous crea-
ton of the chief part. Then came "Ro-
lande," from the pen of M. Louis de Gra-
mont NJ. Leon Hcnnique's three act drama
entitled "Thc Death of the Due Ding
hein," and Catulle Mendes' "Reine Fla
mette," with Clpaul, the famous tenor, in
a speaking role.
Thus IA" every performance of this sim
gular, independent troupe, undo the di-
rection Of their clever actor-manager, had
been a private gathering of all the first
nighters OF the capital. The premieres of
the Theatre Libre, to which admission, as
| have said, could be obtained only by in
vitation, had Enthusiastically been taken up
by the veriest fine tlcur de tout Paris. This
rage for II first view of performances might
be considered as extraordinary were it not
for the cver-increasing longing of the mod
ern Partisan, like the Athenians of old, for
"some new thing" particularly if it threat
en- to be startling. And the hope of wit
Messing something in the latter category
lies at the root of this eagerness to be at
the birth of a new piece from the hardy
writer's whose productions are brought
forward on the boards of the Theatre Lii
bre.
1t must be understood that very rarely
can a play be heard twice at this theatre,
for onlytwo representations are given each
month. Hitherto admission to this unique
spectacle was by right Of subscription
only. There were no single tickets sold,
although the interest in the pieces Dro.
duced, and their genuine literary novelty
and value. might command almost any
price and fill any house. 1t soon became
evident that this species of royal preroga-
tive of giving plays for the elite of the lit
erary world might be made a paying bust.
ness if extended to the public generally.
Wishing to enlarge the field of his opera
tions NJ. Antoine wisely opened Il ticket
Office for outsiders at the door of his
house, much to the annoyance of the priv
legged few, but greatly to the advantage OF
other people and the management.
NJ. Antoine is a plucky young man.
When he started his venture in 1887 he was
earning $50 u month as a clerk in the Paris
Gas company's office. Now his theatre is
one of the most profitable in Paris. Sue
cess has crowned his efforts. He is now to
have a brand new house all to himself the
forthcoming winter. Then the Theatre
Libre, like any other place of theatrical
entertainment, will open every night.
There is no reason why, in q city like Paris,
where the drama takes up so large a share
of the public attention., some fixed play
house on the lines established by NJ. An
tome should not be set apart for ''free"
productions of all kinds. All the money
required is secured. A rich banker has
offered to put down 100000 to back this
novel undertaking. The site is chosen, the
plans are drawn up and soon the day
laborers will be at work.
The new house, with its official name,
Gle Theatre Libre," over the portico, is to
be erected in the center of Paris, and 'front.'
ing the b~oulevards, not far from the Grand
Opera. Its internal arrangements will of
course differ from most of the old Paris
theatres.
The auditorium, which is to include 900
seats at most, of two classes, will be of
such a size that any artist, speaking in a
udCuiiil COLc Ol VOICE from the Stage, NAV
be distinctly heard from every corner of
the building. Tickets will be sold at the
door for one-half the average price charged
at most of the larger Paris theatres.
The whole of the internal decorations.
the outlets, the greenroom and the crush
room, and in fact all the material fixtures
are to be copied from the best and latest
models afforded by foreign houses.
IN orchestra fashioned after that at
Beyreuth will provide, when needed, all
the musical entertainment required.
The company includes thirty-tive a~rtistes
Of both Sexes, each receiving a yearly sal
airy and Il share in the profits. Each will
be held to play, when called upon, any part
the management may assign to him or her.
The chief roles of every play will be given
in turn to several ~artistes. The names of
actors and actresses are no longer to figure
outside on the posters, which will hence
forth give no further information thar the
hour of the performance, the titles of the
plays and the lanes of the authors.
The plays, whether successful or not,
will be renewed every fifteen days, as M.
Antoine rightly contends that to hang on
to one successful play prevents the produce
ton of many good ones, and ~monopolizes
tho how'd, - %1o E1oS -, -, ,p+ -