The courier. (Lincoln, Neb.) 1894-1903, 1901-07-06

A condensed version Of the Oberam-
mergau passion Play" was recently
given by the Indians at Chilliwack, in
British Columbia. Several scenes from
the life of Christ were portrayed, most
ly in pantomime, but with an accompa-
nimeut of singing and an attempt at
dialogue. The most impressive scenes
we're Of Christ before PLATE. of Christ
hearing the cross, and Of the crucitixion.
In the latter scene lay figure was used
and the flow Of blood from the wounds
was shown by means OF q small reser-
voir Of red fluid inside Of the cross. The
Indian is natural actor, and there is q
dramatic tendency in bis oratory as we'll
az in his religious ceremonies. In fact,
the drama in some form has existed as
long as society. and has been practiced
by nearly all nations. In the south sea
islands rude kind OF performance was
discovered a long time ago, and in
China it's origin is remote. The war
dances of the Indian and African. with
their pantomimic preparation for battle,
their imaginary foe, their victory and
the applause Of the spectators are essen
TALLY dramatic exhibitions. This is his.
trionic art in its primitive form. In
early Grecian times it is slightly i'm
proved in the dithyrambus, a pagan rite
in honor OF Bacchus, consisting OF an
ode accompanied by music and dancing.
The genius of Aeschylus, five centuries
before the Christian era, is entitled to
the credit Of perfecting the drama as
We now behold it.
The objection to theatrical perform
ance in the minds Of many good persons
ia that its influence is not always on the
side of morality.
This is not to be wondered at. how
ever, when we remember that the church
has always been opposed to the theatre
hurting against it its severest anathe-
mas. The church, speaking OF it COM
prehensively. lie great positive power in
the world, and the drama. lacking itf
patronage. has been obliged to cater to
the tastes of other than church people
It has been profitable for managers to
bring out plays which church members
must condemn. The audiences must be
pleased, and il moral exhibition is moi
what it desires. the standard will be
lowered to satisfy its needs. IL unself-
ish, phiIanthropic men controlled The
drama, their highest interest would be
subserved by elevating the moral status
of their auditors. Moral, Christian peo
pie need diversion as imperatively al
bad people. There is no other tint
wher men are 30 willing to receive mora
admonition as when they are pleased
their moral receptivity is greatest atsucf
times. Man is an initiative being, ant
dramatic representation must ever TAXI
a deep root in his nature. Yet TIT
drama has been a follower, not leader
in human progress. 1t is supplying
food for an appetite as old as humanity
The drama, 1nder the control OF goot
men, might be made most efficien
agent in the work OF human improve
ment. This view of the matter is no
new. The Rev. DR.. Bellows OF New
York began it's agitation half a centur.
ago, meeting with success as is accorde'
most men who have the temerity Il
question the i,fallibility Of hoary'
headed dogmas. Old and induratet
wrongs can never be removed by gentl'
reproofs and feathery invitations to TAX
themselves away without noise or con
fusiop. 1t needs trenchant blows. OF