The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-01-25
ADJUSTMENTS.
EngIish's-"rhe sign of the Cross

EngIish's-f"The Sign of the CrOss."
Viewed from secular standpoint THE
Sign of the Cross has much in it to alb
sorb the attention of veteran theater goers,
and 1t was undoubtedly of intense interest
TO the large audience at English's last
night. The portrayal of the many charac-
ters was vivid and fascinating. The clash
ing emotions, with the Christians on one side
and the pagan Romans on the other COM
PEELED an involuntary attention and close
following of the story that was in itself
pleasure for anyone accustomed to the
half-weary manner with which many of the
so-called modern plays take with a modern
audience. 1t was no ordinary audience at
Englsh's last night. That much could be
guessed when II was known that thirty
three ministers cards were received at the
door. Some of these wore the distinguish
ing dress of the Catholic fathers. but more
of the clerical visitors were in the less con-
spicuous apparel OF the Protestant clergy.
1t matters little whether these teachers of
men came to inspect much-heralded relig-
ious play for enjoyment or whether they
came simply to see If a moral play were
possible. AT any rate the reports OF THE
Sign of the Cross had been sufficient to
draw these goodly men to the playhouse,
and it was not observed that any of them
became Disguised and left before the final
pathetic scene when pure Christian
maiden led her Roman lover from the dun
geon to the circus as food for the lions.
The spectators were spared the grewsome
effects that modern sensationalists might
have worked into the play. Beyond the
clanking OF chains and the screams of a
Christian boy in the torture chamber there
was no real evidence of blood letting. Will
son Barrett has chosen. to suggest by dra-
matte subterfuge the thrilling incidents in
many places rather than place them be-
fore the eyes of the audience.
The play opens withta Roman street scene
where ruffians urged on by informers. have
a couple of aged Christians at their mercy.
A beautiful girl and Christian boy rush
roughly handled by the mob when Marcus
Superbus, project of Rome, appears. The
with a soldier as bodyguard That night
the Roman project, captiVated by the
Christian girls beauty, disguises himself
and follows her to the house Of the aged
Christian Favius. He warns the Christians
they are 10 be pursued by .Nero,s soldiers,
and offers safety and a life of pleasure to
Mercia. the Christian girl. She elects to
remain with her people. The Christian boy
is captured and tortured by Tigalnus and
lAsicinius until he reveals the secret meet
ing place of the brotherhood. The Chris
uans are next shown in beautiful
linus and his man hunters swooped down
and began To- Stay them. Lucinius is about
20 run his sword through Mcrcia, when
Marcus appears and stops the slaughter,
carrying off Mercia a prisoner TO his palace.
All Rome is shortly familiar with the favor
that the Christian girl has found in the
eyes of the great Marcus. The wealthy and
much-sought-after Berenice. in love with
Marcus. cannot endure the derision of her
admirers and hastens 10 the famous Pop
paea for counsel. Poppaea is the twice
divorced woman OF history. whom Nero
married after Staying his own mother and
his Wife, the vrtuous Octavia. and whom
he also killed one day with a brutal kick in
the stomach. Poppaea is also in love with
Marcus and persuades Nero TO give Tigel-
linus an order to drag the Christian girl
rom the projects palace. There is great
feast at the palace. The maudlin jewellers
are IN the banquet hall. which Marcus de-
serts Tor an interview with his fair Mercia.
Ihe dancing girls. ballad singers and all
tneif drunken admirers break in on his pas
sionate interview with Mefcia, who begs TO
be sent 20 the dungeon with her people
Marcus Is ansered at her coldness and per-
mits scene of unconstrained debauehery
In her presence. A drunken friend of
Marcus attempts. TO make her drink but
Marcus sends the crowd flying and breaks
up the feast. All the british appetite OF
the Roman project Is aroused by
the picture of beauty before him
lie brushes the unwilling girl II, his arms
His intent is plain. A mysterious flash of
light illumnes the room and the Strl Is
saved by what she believes Is 4 sign from
her Master. The girl is taken from the pre-
feet and he makes his vain appeal to Nero
for her life. Poppaea's influence alone pre-
vents Nero from granting the request