The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1907-12-15
D~'ANNUNZTO'S NEW PLAY
The ship" 20 BE Given In Rome at the
Royal Argentina at Christmas.

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Royal Argentina at christmas.
R"MF. Dec. l.--AHter a great deal Of dis
cussion between the ger Of the Royal
Argentina Theatre and Gabrielle dan
nunzio il has been decided that the poets
new tragedy, ia Nave" (The Ship. will
be given in Rome about Christmas time.
The long delay in accepting the manuscript
was due to the opposition OF the sharehold-
ers. who strenuously objected to the con-
ditions imposed by the author and feared
that the new play would prove a failure like
the other, -Piu che rAmore." which was
Kissed OF the Argentina's stage last year.
The plot OF the new tragedy is laidinVenice
in the sixth century when Italy was suffering
from invasions Of barbarians. The people
Of the towns OF Auuileia. Altino and Piter-
gio, driven from their native towns on the
banks OF the River Pc. seek shelter on the
shores OF the sea.
Here. although used to all the conven-
fences OF Roman civilization, they are COM
PEELED to build their town in the most primi-
tive fashion. While some are engaged in
reclaiming the land from the sea others
start to build a basilica for the worship Of
the true God.
In the opening scene the struggle between
two powerful families is drawing to a close.
Orso FGtedro and his four sons, Inundated
by defeat, are forced by their enemies, the
Gratici family, TO suffer the further agony
OF having their tongues cut out. the old
blind father being the only one spared.
The dominant figure in the play is the
mother OF the Grated. called the DeccOhess.
who intrigues in order that her sons may
become the rulers Of the town. BY her
efforts her eldest son, Sergio. who has Just
returned from a pilgrimage TO the still
burning towns sacked by the Goths. is ap-
pointed Bishop, as he has courageously
saved from his native church, the relics which
the Deoplein their fight had forgotten.
He describes to them the scene OF the
burning towns, and fired with enthusiasm
by his courage they lead him to the basilica
where he is elected Bishop amid chanting Of
hymns and chOruses. Just as the cere-
mOnv is ending two boats appear near the
shore and cast anchor.
One is strong and simple OF design while
the other is built Of polished laburnum
wood decorated with al the elegance ~
Byzantine luxury. From the latter diEem-
barks Marcus Grdtico, son of the DedcoHa ss,
come for the election Of the Tribune.
He is beloved by the people and his re-
luAb 40 tiidL hVl ny kfphN HCJOltIUk. DY
the Vaccinations OF his mother a voice Is
heard issuing from the basilica telling the
people to elect Marcus as Tribune. The
suggestion is greeted with enthusiasm.
Marcus is raised Oh high and carried 20
the assembly hall. Just az he ia sratinR
himself a woman rushes in from the pOrtico.
She il BGsitiOiI, daughter Of the defeated
OrsO FdLedrO who has Just returned from
the court OF Theodore. where she had hoped
TO gain the aid Of Narses. the Genera! OF
the Emperor Justinian.
On her return she secs that the cause
Of her family is hopeless her blind father
having told her Of all the i~ndignities he
had suffered. and she secretly plans re-
venge. Although outwardly entering into
all the festivities Of the people, she hopes
to bring about the downfall Of the Gratici
family.
Standing in front Of the Tribune decked
with gorgeou gems she dances tho dance
Of victory amid the cries and plaudits OF the
people. The scene is u Of color and beauty.
The chorus Of the sailors as they sing Of the
great ship which will sail to all parts con-
quering all their enemies and bringing
glory to the people OF the lagooDs contrasts
strangely with the behavior Of the Tribune
who, forgetting war and glory. gazes with
admiration at the dazzling charms Of the
v~oluptuous dancer
The story continues with the complete
subjugation Of Marcus by the fascinating
BGsilioid, whose plan Of revenge has beeD
10 pHp AONAo AAAiA I'll HOT DOWtT
in spite OF the lamentations of the people.
Al the sound OF her voice the young men
whom Marcus at her instigatiOn put in
prison utter maledictions and insults,
and she, hearing the curses Of a certain
GdurO, plucks the bow from a nearby
archer and shoots a deadly arrow at the
offender.
The other prisoners beg for a like fate
and BGsiioLG with savage joy accodes
to their plea. Marcus makes an effort to
rid himself Of her, but owing to her ~fascina-
lions he becomes weak n vacillatinR.
while the people seeing him fall again and
again under her charms determine to rid
themselves Of her existence.
She is finally taken prisoner and blinded
with a disk OF red hot copper. while Marcus,
helpless to save her. seeks to forget her by
enbarking on the ship which starts on the
voyage OF victory.
The play, like all OF D'Annunzio's, is full
OF minute detail. historically accurate but
mostly unnecessary, and replete with bold
realism often bordering on immortality.
Although the work may be a masterpiece
II considered from a literary point Of view
it is very doubtful whether IL will prove
.u.u..a.R.I - n -I.y