The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1897-06-24
TRIALS OF FRENCH PLAYWRIGHTs
The Acceptance of Their Work In-
wolves a Serioue ordeal.

The Acceptance OF Their Work In.
olives a Serioue Ordeal.
It is frequently reported in 18th Rec
ord that some new play has been read
to the s~ocietaires of the Theatre Fran
caise in Paris, but few realize how much
this means, particularly to the rising gem
GRAFTON of playwrights in France. A gen
tleman acquainted with the inside work
ings of this time-honored institution
founded by Moliere gives an excellent de-
scription of the crucial test which the
young author and his work have to
undergo before being accepted.
When a new play has been handed to
the management it is first given to two
'.leeteurs" ~(readers), who are chosen
from among the members every year.
These gentlemen are now Paul Perret and
Edouard Cadol. If they consider the pro-
duction of the new work impossible it
is returned to the author without delay.
Should they indorse the new work the
manuscript is returned with a report to
the "directeur,'' Jules Claretie, who then
reads it himself and lays it before a
committee, which is to finally decide
whether or not the new play is. to be ac-
cepted. Soon afterward the author re-
ceives a polite note requesting him to
call at the playhouse at a certain hour
to read his play to the assembled So
~cietaires. \
Or course, the author arrives an hour
earlier than requested. He has to wait
in an ~ante-ESom. holding his manuscript
carefully under his arm. The beautiful
actresses, who on their way to rehearsals
pass through the waiting room, look at
him and whfSnar ~ ooob .o+har ~
thetically: THAT is an author Even
and pass out of the room, for they know
that out Of ten pIayrights nine will with
draw with blasted hopes. AT last the un-
fortunate is called by a gentleman in
black, who leads him into the directors
room. This amiable gentleman receives
him and consoles him beforehand: 1--WE
receive 50 many playsr, he usually re-
marks on such occasions, that you must
not pc surprised If your work is not ac-
cepted; but do not lose courage on that
account. After this doubtful consolation
the author is k into the reading room
an imposing hall, adorned with large
paintings and a number of busts of fam
Gus French dramatists and actors. In
the head of which is a small reading
stand, where the author is requested to
take his seat. Mr.. Claretie takes a chair
~ II SiuS, anu around the table are all
the societaires in the order of their adj
mission.
The author begins to read. first with
an uncertain voice, and as nrvously as
possible, while the director listens care
iuiiy and all of the close-shayed iurv
taxes notes or whisper remarks to each
other. After the first act the poor fell
low stops. for a m and takes a
drink of brandy, which is furnished to
him by the management of the Theatre
francais. In the interval he looks inouir-
apparently col and uhconcerned and
then continues, heaving a deep sigh as
he begins. After he has completed his
reading he is led back into the cabinet
Of the manages while the societaires cast
their votes. This is either done in secret
ballot or by the raising or hands.
In the meantime, the author, who has
almost broken down by this time. is
Wiping the cold perspiration from his
Manager Claretie entering his cabinet.
He holds, his fate in his hands, and usual
ly he betrays the result in his face, If
the new play is accepted he will come
IN with a brisk step, beaming with smiles.
step right up to the author, whose hand
ne Will grasp and tell him.: "Is congrtu-
late YOU" Should the committee have
decided to reject the play he win enter
slowly, with the mien Of a funeral di-
rector, and will silently grasp the hand
OF the poor fellow. with a gesture of deep
sympathy.
Only af we exceptionally well known
authors are spared this humiliating pro-
ieron and a few others. The reading of
their plays Is merely a matter of for
marty, and the acceptance of their works
a foregone conclusion.