The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-21


feared a revolution But usually the
censor's box is considered perquisite
of the police.
Actors are ostracized no longer The
most Of them nowadays are educated
men and are gradually being elevated
among the honorable professions. ihe!
rank socially very much as they do IN
England and the Uni.ed sta e., an
Ichikawa Danjuro. the Henry lIvihg OF
Japan. is a great lion, whose presence
Is always welcomed at the clubs ana
social gaths rings of men. although.
understand. he Is not invited TO parties
where women appear. have been told
that he charges fee for appearing as
a guest at the houses of lion hunte rs ana
at dinner parties. bu. the story Is con-
tradicted. A gentlen an Who knows MIN
we'll tells me he only charges rich people
who expect him to reci'e for the en-
tertainment of their other guests.
Ladies OF the higher class do not at
tend the theater. although there Is
we'll founded belief that they some
times witness q performance from
screened box when they wish to indulge
in "a lark, but II Is not considered Eooa
form. The audience was usually COM
posed Of the middle classes. merchahts'
mechanics, artisans and young men
about town. Gentlemen VINO nave
friends in from the country take them !"
the theater by way of entertainment,
but 1t Is not considered entirely reput-
able
The plays now presented at first-ciass
houses are usually from the classes VI
ancient japanese literature. although
there are some popular dramat sts "
ing, and occasionally play depicting
contemporary events. Ike incldehts III
,i,I, IL. | ~
stage Is still and will continue to be the
only old mirror in which modern eyes
may see old Japan.
LONG PERFORMANCES.
Usually all the theaters are on the
same street, and adjoining, and are
surrounded by :ea houses and restau-
rants. from which refreshments are sent
in. The proper way to attend the tnee.
ter IL to go to u tea house or restau-
rant for breakfast and there arrange
for the use of a box. All the boxes and
the best seats are purchased by the year
or season by the propi etors OF the tea
houses for the accommodation or thelr
patrons. No gentleman ever buys .
ticket at the entrance, ana, IN lact,
II IL impossible to obtain there anything
except admission to the gallaries, wnlch
are filled with hoodlums. similar to those
who occupy the peanut gallaries OF
American theaters. The performance
begins at 10 or II o'clock In the morning
and is an all-day affair, conciuuing II
4 or y o'clock In the evening. win III
teryals OF half an hour or so between
the acts when walters from the tea
houses where tickets are obtained serve
tea and sweetmeats. and at noon ana
sunset more substantial refreshments.
The floor Is divided into little pens
about six feet square, covered WIN
mating and red blankets, and sur
rounded by railings eighteen inches or
two feet high. The spectators sit on
the floor. On either side and al the
rear of the house In the first ana sec
Ond galleries are rows of boxes similar
" arranged, for which higher prices
are charged. At Danjuro's theater the
price Is s. for box In the gallery and
"a on the floor, each box accommodating
four persons. Cushions are supplied Dy
the ushers for small fee. Admission
to the galleries is 20. 25 and so sen. which
Is equivalent to 10, 12is and % cents OF
our money. The actors reach and
leave the stage by long platforms or
passageways over the heads OF the au-
dence, as for some unexplained reason
their dressing rooms are over ana un.
der the entrance instead OF the stage.
Ine costumes are SupSip DahJuto ~
wardrobe is valued at thousands of dol
lars and Is protected in kura or fire.
proof vault in the garden that sur
rounds his theater. 1t includes old
brocades and embroideries that are
worth many times their weight In gold,
and his armor and swords are said to
be the finest In. Japan Tine scenery Is
elaborate, but after the Japanese style
Of art. which is conspicuous for an en-
tire absence of perspective and the vio.
lation Of all physical laws. Electricity
has been introduced into the best thea
ters for spectacular effect. but the foot
lights are suspended upon a frame
which Is hoisted and lowered during the
performance as the stage manager di-
reefs When he wants to represent a
darkened room he does not turn off the
lights, but hoists the whole business in
a most awkward manner to the ceiling.
QUEER MAKE-UPs.
The ordinary actor assumes most
unnatural makeup and the most ex-
aggerated strut that can be imagined.
He never speaks in natural tone Of
voice, but roars and rants in a pre-
posterOus manner. His tones are dis
tressing and when he endeavors to be
impressive he Is usually comical. Form
erly masks were used. with abundant
wigs of long red or purple silk hair. but
Of late the more accomplished members
of the profession have learned the art
.i "nafiNG IN" their faces which Is
much more rational. but is still far from
,l-ture. The prOptr rites are equally un.
natural but often ingenious. The
popular play is a mixture of blood and
thunder. and millinery sensations and
the play bills always announce the
presentation of historic brocades, armor
and weapons.
Danjuro is the introducer of the mod
ern school and his genius is unques.
toned. His voice and stage presence
are equal to those of any actor | nave
ever seen. His mannerisms and elocu.
ton are somewhat exaggerated. but
he is so far in advance of his generation
that he o" ers most striking contrast
to those who support him on the stage.
He would be regarded as a great actor
In any county, and although he has
had frequent and generous offers to
appear In London and Paris for some
reason he refuses to leave japan, and
, has never been outside the limits of the
empire. In private life he is a uuict.
unassuming gentleman. a charming
conversationalist. n man of excellent
morals. and habits and enjoys beau
I tiful home and an income exceeding
! that of the prime minister. He Is now
nearly 60 years Of age: he owns his bis
theater in Tokyo and has an interest IN
several other playhouses elsewhere. in
/ whlch he sometimes appears
Cl ARK'S GREEN,
Rev. 4. f. Douglass. o. Alta ii. City.
7 no lad. L