The Washington herald., 1908-03-17
AT LOCAL PLAYHOUSES

BeIasco-sThe Servant I'm the House."
In play OF peculler and striking inter-
est. "The Servant in the House." Henry
MilIer's associate players appeared at
the Belasco Theater last night. II is the
work of Charles Ram Kennedy. and it's
depth Of interest is owing TO the fact ii
treats Of one Of the most vital questions
OF the age. namely. whether the true
spirit Of Christianity. as exemplihed in
the universal brotherhood taught by its
Founder, or the perfunctory and hypo-
critical usages OF some prominent pro-
fessed members shan prevail.
The Rev. William Smith is rector Of
an English church which is falling to
decay, and his chief ambition is to re-
build the stately edifice. but all his eff
forts faf end he believes that his work
is not blessed because he himself is not
worthy having abandoned his brother TO
the world and stolen from him the per-
son and love of his daughter Another
brother has become famous as the saint
ly Bishop of Benares. and arrives at the
rectors house at the same time as the
abandoned brother. who comes TO claim
his child. and the Bishop of Lancashire,
a brother to the rector's wife. Here we
have all the characters of the play and
all the features of allegory.
The rector himself is the Christian who
is living lie, of great intellectual
strength, knowing the truth. yet afraid
to live up 70 ii. His wife Is the example
of a numerous type of women. who set
their husbands up for idols, but in wor-
Shipping them really worship themselves
by reflection. The child is simplicity and
pure-mindedness personifed, with divina-
ton so often unerring. as in this instance
she locates the trouble in the church as
coming from the drains.
The Lord Bishop Of Lancashire is the
worldly clergyman. who measures every
thing by money and has entirely lOst the
true spirit of Christianity. The abandoned
brother is the much-needed scaYenger
who cleans out the drains and makes the
place OF worship once more habitable:
and last and above all, comes the Bishop
of Benares, personifying the true spirit Of
Christian brotherhood, and by meekness
and humility. yet memorable will. mold
ing everything for good.
The whole thing is a powerful object
lesson; in fact, some may concretely de-
fine il as a problem play pure and sim
pie: but it certainly differs from most Of
the modern problem plays. in that the
problem is solved on the stage at least
II is play requiring Just such a power
OF expression and deft exposition of ideas
as is present in the present Instances. for
not for some seasons has such a notable
array of intellectual people figured in a
programme.
The even balance of the characters in
the makeup OF the play Is not disturbed
by the Interpretation. Every single mem
Der of the cast sustains effectively the
high reputation already gained OF Miss
Edith Wynne Matthison it is sufficient 20
say that not for an instant does her por-
trayal fall below the interest engendered
in 'Everyman." She has personality that
takes hold. and her expressive art Is
high. MT. Walter Hampden appears as
the Bishop of Benares. known until the
end of the play as Manson, a butler. Mr..
Tyrone Powers is the Scavenger: Robert
Smith; Mr.. Charles Dalton impersonated
the Rev. William Smythe, Mr.. Arthur
Lewis portrays the Bishop OF Lancashire;
Mr.. Galwey Herbert is Rogers. and Miss
Mabel Moore is Mary, the young daugh-
ter.
The play, In conjunction with the high
skill of the players. is a combination cal
cUlated to set the wheels OF thought in
motion. and along rational lines. too. No
mere question OF sex. politics. or human
love is discussed. but a vital issue. affect
ing the whole human race, is touched on.