The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-03-22

Within few weeks the New
Theatre, the first attempt in America
toward the establishment of a ma
tional theatre along the lines OF the
government institutions of France ana
Germany, will round out its first sea-
son in New York. Throwing open
Its doors to the public early in Mo-
vember, the last five months have
been rraught with many trials Tor the
pal,Aial temple of art. which occu-
pies the entire block from Sixty-sec-
ond to Sixty-taird street. Central Park.
West. The history of its inception,
the work which 1t has accomplished
and the aims which it hopes to rea-
lize, all form an interesting chapter
In the history of dramatic art In the
New World.
The New Theatre was established
by thirty of Americas most represen-
tative business men, and, according to
their announcement upon the occasion
OF its dedication II Is intended pri-
marty as an institution OF serfiee-to
serve the cause of dramatic art ana
so serve the playgoing public. Three
million dollars was subscribed To he
used for the theatre building and for
the endowment fund, Should any pro-
fits accrue no dividends Will be paid,
but d permanent endowment fund VIII
be created for enlarging the scope OF
the enterprise.
While numerous enterprises have
been started in America mainly in
New York. looking toward the eleva-
ton of the drama from the CONNER
cial features which now surround IT,
the one man to whom most credit Is
given for the capitalization OF the
ideas and the ideals on which the
New Theatre has been founded was
Heinrich Conried,@ who was the d.
rector of the German repertory the
atre In New York before his work at
tracted the attention of the directors
Of the Metropolitan Opera House.
Herr Conried accomplished SO much
artistioally for the drama OF the
higher type that, in spite of the fact
that he was neither a musician nor
musical impressarlo. he was made
director of the Metropolitan Opera,
and gave distinguished service in that
position. While acting in that ca
pacity he was thrown in close con-
tact with the men who have since
become the founders of the institu-
ton which now graces Central Park
West, and which for the past year
has been the storm centre OF adula-
ton and OF vituperation, 1t was Herr
Conried who urged the establishment
of such a playhouse along the lines
of the German theatre in New York,
but of "A much wider and more COM
prchensive scope. The fruition of this
golden dream came true several
months after the death of the direc-
tor. The brilliant Conried began life
as a scene shifter in the magnificent
Hofburg Theatre in Vienna.
BY all odds the handsomest play
house in America. and ranking as one
of the three finest in the world. the
New Theater was thrown open to an
invited audience on the afternoon OF
November g. 1909, when the dedication
exercises took place, 1t was notable
event, adding dignity and standing TO
dramatic art in America. On the stage
were some the worlds greatest finan-
ciers. while the State of New York
was represented by Governor Hughes
and by Senator Elihu Root. Johnston
Forbes Robertson, probably the fore
most living English speaking actor.
read Hamlet's Address TO the Play
ers as the creed Of the New Theater
Company.
During It's first season. which is
nearing It's close, the New Theater
has produced four classic dramas
Antony and Cleopatra" "A Winters
Tale" Twelfth Night" and The
School for Scandal" In additions TO
these, John Gaicworthy's Strife" a
modern drama OF capital and labor:
Edward Sheldon's 'Nigger." a play
dealing with the race question In the
south: 1.-The Witch" having as its
theme the Salem Mitchcraft horrors;
! 'Sistsr Beatrice. one of Maurice Mae