Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1909-05-02
In the Spotlight

PROPOSALS. concerning a monu-
ment for Modjeska have been
4 numerous ever since the passing
away of this distinguished artist and
fellow citizen.
No more appropriate suggestion along
this line has been made than that of
Mrs. Bertha Hirsch Barucb in the
current "Tidings." Under the title, "A
Living Monument to Modjeska," the
writer puts her argument for a chill
drens theater" as follows:
mot alone a silent testimonial in
bronze or marble, not merely a signih
cant pile of stones, however valuable,
but a monument whose force and in
fuence shall be craven on human
hearts. 1t is to the stage, to the the
alter, we must turn for a fitting monu-
ment for Madame Modjeska."
The great woman, with all a mothsr's
love and devotion to the welfare of
childhood and of youth, was deeply
interested in the movement for the
establishment of a children's theater."
Modjeska realized the value of begin
ming moral and artistic training with
the children. She knew that by setting
youth on the right path in esthetic APP
probation and in right conduct of life,
the surest foundation was laid for the
maintenance of a pure and noble art
and for safe social progress.
Can we, indeed" continues the
writer, better honor the dead than by
resolving to do that which it would
have been her happiness to see accom-
plished? Than to take up the construc-
ton of the work which she was not per-
mitted to see fairly begun? What
nobler tribute, what more fitting testi-
monial to the life and work Of Mod
1eska, than Memorial Theater Tor
Children? A theater that shall be
known as The Modjeska or The Mod
jeska Theater for Juveniles %
A grand memorial benefit or series of
beneht performances for the starting
fund would be In order. Undoubtedly
representatives of the profession in Los
Angeles would covet the privilege of
contributing to the founders fund. AT
first glance the idea is of such merit
that it would certainly gain the sup
port of the public, and Los Angeles
would erect a monument to Modjeska
which would be of lasting value.
"There is so much impertinent nom
sense written nowadays by heredity-
mongers," Mr. Skinner said in a recent
interview, that 1 was astonished by
a disclosure Of psychological nature
made to me by my father about a year
before he died. 1t is interesting for
those psychologists who believe in the
harmonization of talent and tempera-
ment revealed in the work Of art, with
family and personal history. Here
are the circumstances:
MY father was a clergyman in a
small country parish when my elder
brother was born. At this time my
mother, who was of distinctively lit
erary turn, devoted all her leisure time
to reading and writing, This pro-
nounced literary turn manifested Itself
IN my elder brother-as soon as he was
old enough to read and appreciate gooc
literature.
From Somerville, Mass, my parent.
moved to Cambridge, where, being OF
liberal views. they first came in touch
with the playhouses. Prior to my brit
NV mother often visited the famou,
Boston museum, that historic home O.
the drama in New England During
II year Immediately preceding my de
but upon this terrestrial sphere he
chief interest was concentrated upoi
plays and acting. Fate, therefore, or
dained that 1 should be an actor, 70
when I was a mere STRIPPING of
youngster 1 had firmly determined t
espouse the cause of the drama ant
devote my life to acting.
"a few years later my mother devel
oped real talent with brush and palette
and then her third son was born. H
displayed aptitude as an artist in earl
bolhood and is today successfully fol
lowing his natural bent"
Dorothy Bernard, than whom Their
has been no more popular woman mem
Der of the Belasco theatre company 70
many moons, is to marry. De Wit