The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-08-21
BEN. GREET MAY
USE old B|JOU
Negotiations Looking to New
Theatrical Attraction for
Richmond This Fall.
MISS MARIA BLAlR's PLAY
May Present Nathaniel Bacon
Historical Drama, by Rich
mohd Woman.
MISS MARIA BLAIR's PLAY

Negotiations are on foot for an nd
diuona' theatrical attraction in Rich
inond this fall, with d revival of Sc
lies of old English plays of the high
ost order, especial attention being given
to presenting historical drama during
the sessions or the Episcopal Conven-
ton in October Ben Greet, the famous
Engish actor, is behind the movement.
and the Assoeie ton for the Preserva-
ton of Virginia Antiquities Is being
mentioned as the patron of the un-
dertaking. 1t Is said that Greet, with
his well-known company OF English
actors, will arrange to. present their
attractions at the Old Bijou Theatre
at Eighth aud Broad Streets, which
will probably be remodeled for the
company.
While nothing seems to have been
definitely determined, 1t is understood
Il that Ben Greet has under considera-
ton the presentation OF a new play
recently completed by Miss Maria Blair.
OF this city. entitled nathaniel Bacon"
This play was written especially in
view of the revival of interest In his
| toric and colonial matters as result OF
| the jamestown Exposition. Mr.. Greet
! is studying the possibilities of the play.
and Is said to be favorably impressed
1 with 1t. While an author of consid-
cradle reputation. and a literary critic.
I and u woman of wide travel, this Is
Miss Blair's first effort in drama. It
lis probable that no one in Richmond
Ills better qualified to produce q plot
based on Colonial Virginia history.
The eminent English actor, Ben
4 Greet, has appeared In Richmond sew
eral times, and has been favorably
i received standing as he does for the
best phases OF the historical drama.
| With his company of English actors he
Is now playing at Bar Harbor, Me-.
where he has made decided success.
In a private letter to Richmond gem
tlemhn. Mr.. Greet said that there was
/ a proposition Under consideration for
him to present Miss Maria Blatr's play
| In Richmond In October under the
auspices of the Association for the
Preservation of Virginia Antiquities.
| The proposition includes the use of the
old Bijou Theatre for considerable
/ fall and winter season. for series of
standard plays. of which Every Man.
i in which Ben Greet has achieved i a
I national reputation. will be leading
attraction. Mr.. Greet will probably
bring the full company he has with
him at present. and during the course
of the season will produce Miss Maria
/ Elair's Nathaniel Bacon" with a
company which Is accustomed to early
English characters. and which would
be in entire sympathy with the play.
The agents. handling the old Bijou
property said that no lease had been
signed as get. but admitted that there
were negotiations looking to the use
of the old playhouse during octoner
and possibly longer.
The presentation of Ben Greet and
4 ~, f;ey, >fr,rS
!. tcrioal parts would no doubt prove
leading attraction in Richmond dur
ing october, when the city Will be
crowded with visitors. the Horse
Show. state Fair and Episcopal Con-
vention oil coming in that month.