New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-07-08
,s caper around the Witch rrueheart

.>.,,ons caper around the Witch Trueheart
.,,ers like Orlando. with his sword drawn
,-aaks through the covering Demons and bends
o,.er the Sleeping Beauty's couch The Song OF
.,s Awakening is heard. and the Knight by a
ties brings Fayremonde out of her long trance
1,s Seven Attendants awake and light their
,rns and there is lovely dance nv Ave
oounles representing the Senses and arrayed
a, the urinary colors Of the rainbow. The sixth
.csne is opened with a triumphant march.
Tabor and Invention bring in a throne. and
rsyremonde takes her place upon it. with
rrr,eheart al her right hand and the seven
lamps and FIVE Senses around her London
torn and dishevelled runs In and kneels at the
feet Of the knight, who confronts the eight
Demons in pursuit OF her; Cupiditas. Scamp
nus Ignoramus. Bogus. Jerry builtus Philis-
tinus. Bumblebeadalus and Slumdum The
Lamps close in. Simplicity and Good VIII bear
helping hand and the Demons and the Witch
are driven from the scene The Fair Cities then
return 10 do homage to Fayremonde and True
heart. London in an emblazoned mantle re-
enters attended by Freedom and Commerce
and receiving a crystal sphere and a sceptre
from Labor and Invention takes her place
among the Fair Cities There is song Of tri-
umph. after which the Spirit Of the Age. with
a scroll and pen and a searchght. recites the
epilogue and leads all the performers around
the Guidhal
A PARABLE FOR MODERN LONDON.
The allegory which the art workers have de-
signed. illustrated and enacted points TO re-
vival Of art by which the metropolis Of London
now at the mercy OF selfish monopolies and
antiquated shams. may attain pre-eminence in
beauty among the cities Of the world. That is
q bold parable TO take up at the historic Guild
hall in the presence Of the Lord Mayor and
representatives OF the vested interests Of an
all powerful Corporation. The Guildhall itself
IS not. moreover an ideal auditorium for the
presentation Of a masque with dances. antique
music, color combinations and picturesque
pageants; and these are prosaic times in which
10 reproduce the court revels OF the Eliza bethan
era, with their stately movement their poetic
spirit and their antic bypay. The Art Work
ers Guild has undertaken a bold and almost
reckless experiment. yet has done its work with
such refinement Of artistic skill that a first
night audience has been left breathless with de-
light under a spell Of enchantment. more ad-
mirable and delightful performance has not
been witnessed in London for many day than
this charming and beautiful masque.
Every detail of this masque has the charm
lyrics have been supplied by Mr.. Walter Crane,
Mr.. c. R Ashbee. and from literary associates.
The music has been written by Mr.. Malcolm
Lawson and Mr.. Arthur Dometsch: the orches-
ira is made UP OF students from Trinity College,
and the chorus Is recruited from art workers.
The proscenium has been designed by we'll
known architect. Mr.. Harry Wilson, and many
of the details. especially the ornamentation Of
the capitals. are Of exquisite beauty. About
two hundred performers are on the stage, and
their costumes have been specially designed by
Mr.. Edward Hughes. Mr.. Walter Crane, Mr..
Christopher Wall, Mr.. Holiday and scores Of
art workers. The beauty OF these costumes is
simply amazing. The dances have been ar
ranged by NJ. Espnosa and Nine Cavalazzi.
and are performed by few Of their pupils
and by many art workers. The illustrated
book Of the masque has been edited by Mr..
Joseph Pennell and special committee,
and being printed in Old English type with
special drawings and initial letters. is lovely
souvenir de luxe OF a unique artistic event.
With the exception OF the music and also the
stage management. which has been conducted
By Mr. Hugh Moss the masque represents the
united artistic resources and energies Of the
Art Workers Guild.
This beautiful work provides the strongest
POSSIBLE argument lot a municipal lHtdtIc' IN
aided by public subscription and compelled 10
charge a guinea for admission 10 each Of the
three Guiidhall performances, the art workers
have shown their capacity to design and carry
cut a costly form of entertainment which once
REQUIRED the resources Of a rich and powerful
court. and in doing this they have demonstrated
their artistic skill. their sensibility TO beauty
and their poetic Imagination. A municipal the
atre could substitute for the vapid pantomimes
Of the Christmas holiday and the vulgar variety
show Of the concert halls rnasques and similar
which would develop the orlgl-
nal faculties OF designers. elevate the stand
ards Of public taste and create love for the
beautiful The time is surely coming When
theatrical managers will not be the sole pur-
vevors Of recreation for jaded and cynical
public that laughs too easily and is degraded
intellectually by its amusements. 1t is the
at least in England, which can
purify the atmosphere Of the theatre encourage
genuine art workers, impart new Impulse 10
craftsmanship and the art OF designing ana
raise the level OF public recreation. / n. f.
SENATOR STRANAHAN SICK.