The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-08-19
sonlan Sacred Drama.

A decided contribution to the literature
Of the Pacific Coast has been made by MIR.
George l.. Hutchins Of Portland, Ore, In
Lis historical and romantic drama "Juda-
rae," which he cautiously publishes him
self, reserving all rights. The drama Ia
built on the Elizabethan model. with fire.
quent shift Of scenes. The author does not
offer verse, or mixture OF verse with
prose, but uses q lofty poetic prose, with
original uses OF the English language.
1t would not be fair to describe the plot.
which is based. as the name implies, on
Biblical Incidents As the author tells us
In a preface. 'The beautiful story Of Ju-
darael is Hebraic idyl a classic OF sacro-
sanct worshipers, and is familiar as house,
hold word to those Of Palestinian nativity.
The story Is told in dramatic figure to give
1t the strongest accumulation known to
literature" He adds an interesting chrono-
logical fact necessary to the understand
ing OF the play. The Babylonian cap
tivity covers a period Of seventy years.
As the year Of the ancients was only third
as long as the year Of latter days. Judarael
at the end Of his captivity was in the flower
Of vigorous manhood"
Three great kings are involved in the
action OF the play, Nebuchadnezzar, Bel
shazzar and Darius. They employ their
undoubted prerogative over language
The first, who according to the story is
ultimately turned out to grass, when ex-
cited exolaims: Il know now for GER
tainty thou art mountebanks. Thou art
deceivers who would gain time" Later
the villain addresses him thus: Il didst
tell thee, oh king And Darius asks:
Hath the children Of Israel no under
standing7'
The author has devised his scenery
regardless OF expense. Act I, Scene 1.
.The walls Of the city crumble beneath the
long siege Of the Chaldeans.' Act II,
Scene q "Idofatrous image Of golden
calf revealed upper center Of stage by
drawing draperies of the Kings gorgeous
tent. Festival OF devotees. Dancing girls
bearing palms and floral offerings Then:
Electrical effect--Fiery furnace; captives
walking therein unframed; guards burned
to death as they approach furnace to cast
therein the prisoners bodies OF guards
exposed about the furnace" Act ILL.,
Scene 1. Hanging gardens Of Babylon
outrageous trees-Bosky Sylvan garnish-
ments,' Scene 2. "Belshazzars impious
feast; 1000 governors mobiles, princes,
wives, concubines, dancing girls. ct al
Draperies reveal the scene as they are
drawn" The author leaves little to the
stage managers imagination. The reader
may form some idea Of the play from the
scenario, but dramatic managers are
warned that no performance Of it can be
given without the authors permission
in writing.
All Is not ira gedy and high ideal, however
The author has read his Elizabethans and
noted their counterfeit in comic interludes
and the slang OF the day. His sprightliness
is shown in the discussion Of the Jonah story
between two jovial Hebrew soldiers:
lowed Jonah!
Haram Gur-Oh, yes. Jonah was very down In
the mouth and the whale had to swallow him or be
choked to death.
Islachar-Jonah was the father Of all Ash stories.
Haram Gur-Then thou be!ieVest not the tale OF
the FISH and Jonah!
Islachar-I would have to be as big as ten whales
before could swallow all that story, tall and all.
And also in the be inter- between the hero
and the heroine:
Judarael-Ozara, will you bid me hope'
Ozara-I must not longer trust my resolution.
We will not cross the Jordon till we reach 1t.
must away.
Judarael-Stay
Oxara-There are other days. Adleu.
Where 80 much Is in higher vein. how
ever, it would be unfair to give no indication
OF what MIR. hutchinson can do when he
tries. Here Is a lyric strain:
Judarael-I am joyed that you are happy. The
airs of this enchanted garden are heavy with the
soft perfumes OF Araby TO night and the languor-
Gus lilies and sister roses have each magic bell
with fairy hands for clappers. would that were
free as the flowers to love free the airs OF heaven.
free as falling waters and the soughing Winds and
II were free. Judah. how thy Orihamme would
rise TO heights beyond the stars!
Salmon canning is not the ono ideal on
the banks OF the Willamette.