The times., 1898-12-04
Observation-Disclosures Modje.kn.

The temperance of Madame Modjeska
at the National after a long absence from
the Capital, awakens memories of day
when the classic drama formed the nu-
cleus of theatrical season instead of
its presentation being the rare incident
that it is now. But the day Of great
tragic stars has gone, and Modjeska, one
of the few remaining representatives, Is
also perhaps the only player capable Of
assuming the mantle they have dropped.
Among the pieces she is to offer during
the week, and change of bill is announc-
ed for every performance, Sudermann's
powerful "Magda," to be given tomo. row
evening, will probably command the most
attention. Though new to Washington,
the work has been added recently to the
repertores of Bernhardt and other Eu-
ropean celebrities. and has been accorded
very high place in theatric literature.
Its ethics suggest Ibsen, Bernard Shaw
and other philosophical p,aywrights, but
it is said to furnish infinitely greater op-
portunity than is contained in either to
the actress-especially to such an one as
Modjeska, for whom no extremes of pas
sion and defamation are beyond reach.
Briefly, the story tells of the seduction
Magda, while she is pursuing a musical
education in Berlin. Years afterwards,
| when she has become a great artist. her
| father, tyrannical, narrower minded fell
| low of the lower middle class, learns Of
her secret, and for the sake of his poor
conventional prejudices she agrees to
marry the father of her child. This man
had never sued for her hand until she
had become famous and respected and
even then when she accepts his offer he
insists on the condition that the real
name of the little one shall remain Sc
! cret
Such a proposal is naturally revolving
TO a woman of Masda's pride and intel
lect She .upbraids him with whitening
scorn and fiinging filial respect to the
winds has a terrible scene with her IA
/ ther because even under such an insist
/ ence, he still commands the union. This
! is but a cursory synopsis of the play, but
| sufficient to give some idea of what
| genius like Modjeska can make of its
central character. The offering will have
an additional interest in that it presents
| her for the first time on the local stage
| in a modern role.
Another drama in which the Polish &C.
| tress will appear here for the first time
! is Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopa-
| tra,'' of which a more or less elabo-
rate production is promised. The highly
| strung, passionate and naughty Egyptian
| queen is familiar stage character, al
ways attractive, and should be especially
| SO with the intellectual attributes which
1 Modjeska is sure to bring to the part.
Shakespeare version of the oft-told story
| has not been seen here in many years
and that Modjeska should have taken it
up. even though so late in her career. is
| something for which to be grateful.
| In addition to these plays the repertoire
to be given includes Mary Stuart" !"
| Macbeth "As You Like It." and Ca
mile" a very good weeks work. The
| supporting company contains such artists
| as Charles Herman. Lester Lonersan,
John A Lane, George Spencer, Wads-
work Harris. Anna Proctor, Mrs. Han
nan Sargent and Anna DAILY. Adequate
scenic production is promised for each
| play.