Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-02-06

~ most adnlIra Die side OF Au-
g,,stus Thomas work as ain
author has appeared than
= '"The Harvest Moon Me.
Thomas has mystical tendencies. but he
combines with these tendencies a rugged
nationality which reverses the usual
method Of the writer who undertakes to
arouse interest in psychic matters. In
stead Of seeking 10 heig'lten 4 mystery by
Ngaving phantases about il. he endeavors
IN explain it. Phenomena which might in
vite the juggler he chooses to discuss as
1ispassionats reasoner, asking no more
in founding his premises than a concession
from his auditor that life is not entirely
physical manifestation and that there are
forces to which we have not rs yet been
able 10 apply finite measurements.
EGt Mr.. Thomas is more a poet than
a philosopher. His science may be open
to 'skepticaI question. but his human ma
ture is simple. sincere and genuine. His
speeches are warm with sympathy and,
without the artifice OF verse. are plea sing
70 the ear as to the intelligence. He
may not compel belief in all the theories
lie undertakes to demonstrate. but he
charms with forcsful narrative and grace
Of expression. In shooting ut the sun he
has brought down lark. He insists on
being frank But his frankneSs is not
coupled with harshness. He takes up the
moonlight as an influence to be reckoned
with in the affairs Of mankind, and as
summing 10 reduce sentiment 10 a mere
formula succeeds in celebrating and
Identifying il. No more exquisite descrip-
ton Of the spell which our strange satel-
lite casts over youth has been penned
since de Maupassant wrote I'm the Moon
light.s
Thomas is not popularity recognized as
a poet He does not wear long hair nor
curious clothes. He does not pose either
for photographs or interviews. He min
gles on easy terms with players in their
social organiza tons. His effort is to
elucidate and not to obscure, and his
StatemeAts are made with Z sense of re-
sponsibility. His discussion of the I'M
portant technique in acting, as voiced by
that remarkable character creation, Nj.
Vavin, is accompanied by a demonstra-
ton as enlightening as it is amusing.
This scene illustrates what little ex
cuse there is for bad acting provided
the player has at hand instruction as
competent as that which this author
effect of color on the emotions is not al
lowed TO go with mere abstract state
1nent. but is made the subject of expert
ment which, il not absolutely convincing,
is startlngly persuasive, and behind
} these episodes is the big theme of sug
gestion; reminder of the responsibility
which each human being shares in in
fuencing existence about him. The role
of NJ Vavin, the veteran playwright, pre-
sents a golden opportunity which Mr..
George Nash improves to the utmost.
The author does not shrink from candid
analysis even of the methods which he
himself employs to enlist interest. His
sarcasm concerning the lack of original
fly of the young dramatst's theme is TO
certain extent applicable to his own
plot machinery. When Goldsmith pro-
duced 1.-THE Vicar of Wakefield'' he con-
ferred a benefit on generations of dram
atisfs to come. Olivias discovery that
the unfortunate marriage ceremony, which
all believed fraudulent, was genuine has
saved the regulations of many heroines.
The Harvest Moon Celebrates the Incl
dent in a manner that shows research
and proves that the topic selected for
artistic treatment is of less importance as
a rule than the method OF developing it.
The selection of entracte music is
sometimes a consideration. The orchestral
performance of the ditty Shine On,
Harvest Moon was just sufficiently sig
nificant to be absurd. 1t was a reminder
of the Jealous and painstaking leader
who. during engagement OF the late
Joseph Jefferson, played RIP Van
Wrinkle was a Lucky Man
Mabel Taliaferro has that gift called
personality. She is idolized by feminine
theatergoers, and "Springtime'' reveals
her in a role we'll suited to her individual
charm. The play assumes certain studious
responsibilities in reconstructing scenes
from early American history. This
element I'm a play seldom heightens its
popular interest, since its successful in
depreciation depends the sympathetic
cooperation of so many people who can
not possibly have the authors enthusiasm
in the subject. ''Springtime" is i'm Sey-
eral scenes admirably successful in con-
veying an impression of verify rather
than that of mere incorporating
Sam Bernard is still a comedian in
as an entertainer and character define
ator. PHILANDER JOHNSON.
NAZIMOVA ONCE \ VIRTCOSO.-I
Mime. ALA Nazimova was born in Yalta
small city of the Russian Crimea, her
father being a wealthy and distinguished
subject OF The czar Reared in Switzer-
land. she studied the violin in her girl
hood days and became a virtuoso of gem
uine distinction. Her violin is still her
chief recreation, and her proficiency with
ii is considered remarkable, though over
Swallowed now by her dramatic talents.
When the natural trend of her talents
turned her toward the stage, her ambi-
lions in this direction were at first Bit
terly opposed by her father. Ultimately,
however. ne was induced to give his con
sent, and she took up the study of dra-
matte art at the Philharmonic in Moscow.
Her first American appearance was as
a member OF Russian company, but she
scored triumph brilliant that she
was urged 10 make herself proficient in
the English tongue and ESSAY q career