Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-01
Am U S E N E rs.
Columbia Theater.

4 drama of important quality was Civ
en- at the Columbia Theater last night In
q manner worthy of its serious artistic
pretens ons. Popular interest in S anis-
laus STANCES adaptation OF Paul Bour-
gets play. Divorce has not been ap-
pealed to by the ordinary methods. The
title itself has had so many fippant asso
Citations in theatrfc history that 1t might
easily be misleading. Any desire of seeing
marital intrigueS presented in the merry
mood Of French farce will be disappointed
for the play Is serious discussion OF
subject of mOmentouS significance In every
phase of society and every degree Of civil
lizaton. Cnrelieved by glimnler of COM
edy, the play proceeds 10 scuss in speech
and to illustrate by incident the condi-
tions arising from divorce and remar-
rage Indeed, there could be no comedy
in work OF this kind without ma ring
its symmetry and destroying its effect.
Divorce as it influences the personal lives
Of those who seek II is the chief topic
yet the accompanying study of the rela-
tons and possible antagonisms Of ecclesi-
astical and evil authority are of interest.
Bourget, as an observer of conditions in
France, Is especially qualified to present
such conditions In a fOrceful and enllSnt-
ening manner.
The topic is discussed with frankness,
yet with the utmost delicacy. The dogma
of one tendency of thought is rejected no
less convincingly than the dogma which
opposes it, and in its finality the appeal Is
to individual conscience. degree OF tpl-
erance for diverse points Of view Is neces-
sary for an appreciation of the piece.
But. however grave the ethical or moral
questions involved. the play Is the thing
So far as the auditor is concerned the
philosophic principles involved are con-
siderations secondary to the revelations OF
human emotion. Recognizing this. the
management has provided a fine cast for
;>l,
elimination beyond the mere selection of
players whose names have been cele-
brated. There are no unknown quantities
in the cast. yet there is no star. A fne
piece Of work is done by Vincent Serrano.
by far the best he has ever done in Wash
ington. He overcomes the difficulties Of
his role In a manner that enables him to
realize its splendid opportunities COM
pletely and without apparent effort. He
deineates the impetuosity of youth: the
spirit which having embraced belief re-
fuses to compromise with custom.
Miss Ida Conquest also has a role OF
great dramatic possibilities. Her per-
Torrance last night was one of thorough
merit; neither overweight nor at any
time insufficient.
Miss Marion Terry had part which
called for an emotionalism which might
easil. be nerve destroying. She met such
requirements so unstintingly as to be at
times wanting In the repose which every
character. however high-strung. must dis
play in some of its phases. Eben Plymp-
ton was most Impressive, dlsnlned rep
resentative of church counsel and author
ity. and John Glendenning interpreted the
spirit of worldly reason with stern ex-
actitude. yet without sacrifice of sympa-
thy 1t is an excellent performance OF
a drama whose somber quality would In
less competent hands render it forbid
ding. 1t is not tragedy IN the conven-
tional homicidal sense: 1T is. as those who
have been concerned in its making de-
scribe it, "a drama Of conscience