Morning journal and courier., 1890-12-23
The creek Play in NEW raven.


The intended presentation of the Amigo |
ne of Sophocles by some ladies-~of New |
Haven has already somewhat prematurely
been announced in the papers. To correct
Misrepresentation few words may not be
out of place in explanation of the under
taking and it's present status.
The Greek tragedy was in important re-
spects different from the modern. In the
first place, the Greek theater was huge
semi-circular amphitheater of seats, capa
BILE Of seating 81, 500 persons; the orches-
ira, which correspondent to the modern
parquet, was level, bare of spectators, and
strewn with sand. In the Hyperion the
front of the stage will have to represent
the Greek orchestra and stage will have
to be built up in the rear. In this or
chestra the chorus of fifteen remained
throughout the play, either following as
ideal spectators the action on the stage
which rose in front, or during the en-
tractes, when the stage was bare, singing
choral odes pertinent to the various dra-
matte situations. Frequently the Cory
ph@us or leader of the chorus engaged
in dialogues with the actors There was
the public square in front of palace,
as in the Antigone, and was gener-
ally unchanged throughout play. The
constant presence Of the chorus forbade
changes Of scene or the representation of
an ideal action lasting more than few
hours Other events necessary to the
story were told by messengers, so that
the Greek play was extremely simple and
closely articulated. The size of the thea
ter and the use of masks forbade fine act
ing. Lively action was impossible from
the costume. There were, too, rarely more
than three actors on the stage ct one time,
SO that in comparison with modern plays
the Greek play gave the impression of q
connected series of tableaux, simple and
statuesque. The Antigone is the story of
a maiden Of heroic type who resolves
against a kings harsh decree to brave
death in the performance of what
to the Greeks was the sacred right
of burial of a loved brother.
The story should be familiar to
| the modern hearer, as it was to the Greek
| before he enters the theater. The play was
produced with great eclat In 1871 before
composing his famous music for this oc-
| casion. 1t has been brought out several
times in England; last summer, indeed, in a
chalk pitt. from it's similarity in form to
| the ancient theater. AS is well known the
Saturday Morning club of Boston brought
it out.
In regard to the intended performance
of it here in New Haven, the purpose is to
have it as faithful as practicable to the
ancient traditions. Masks will. however,
naturally be discarded, nor will anyone
seriously oppose the use of Mendelsshon's
music or the substitution of an orchestra
for the flute behind the scenes. To give
volume a supplementary chorus will be
added in some way. The chorus is being
trained by Mr.. Dessauer.
The cast is still somewhat indetermin.
ate, and must be SO at SO early time.
Many reasons may lead to changes, and
the ladies naturally deprecate the use Of
their names until their appearance is
somewhat assured. That more has moi
hitherto been published here is due to the
courtesy of our city editors, and not tt
their lack of enterprise.
The executive committee consists Of
Mrs. George Farnam, Mrs. William Far
nam, Mrs. E. V. Reynolds, Mrs. Kerno
chan, Mrs. DIR. Carmalt, Miss Cutler
Mr.. Charles s. De Forest has been in
valuable as advising manager.
The training of the cast and chorus is il
the hands of Mr.. Sargent and Miss Story
of New York
The names of those who have the mat
ter in charge are guarantee that nothing
will be omitted to make the presentation
success. AS to date, it is hoped that tn
play can be given by April 1.
The proceeds will be devoted to tn
establishment of an infrmary for the stu
dents of Yale university.
The cast for Antigone is as follows