New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-07-16
PLAN OPEN AIR PLAYS
Classic Drama for the Poor in
Public School Yards.

For some time the Park Commissioners
have considered the scheme OF building
great open theatres IN the public parks,
where music and high class entertainments
could be given during the hot weather for
the poorer classes Theatrical managers
were ready to cooperate with the city au-
thorities, but it was round impossible 10
begin Immediately. The promoters of the
scheme were regarded rather n the hght
OF idealists, and proof that ,fis would
be a welcome movement 10 the laoorinS
classes was not forthcoming. BUT last
winter. when good plays were placed With
In the reach Of the tenement house peo-
pie. they were highly appreciated. Settle
nent workers and practical people nave
given their verdict heartily IN Il vor OF
these performances.
A theatre centre for schools was or
ganized. with julius HOpp, who Is inter-
ested in the Wage Farmers League, In
charge and a determined effort was begun
10 give similar performances this summer
and 10 prove that such drama Is needed by
working people a search through the
crowded quarters Of the East Side revealed
the fact that the Fairgrounds OF the pub
could easily be obtained for this purpose.
DR.. EGson and other members or the
School Board have given permission Tor
performance on July % in the grounds OF
school g. i'm 10th street, near Avenue IS.
Tus-one Of the new model schoos-has d
uayed ward, Hcloscd on three sides by
tho building. and which is large enough to
accommodate several hundred persons-ali'
in fact. who can hear an open air perform
ance.
A stage. Is feet wide by 30 long, will be
erected and decorated with greens IN prin-
tive fashion The windows OF The school,
behind the stage, will he concealed benino
a drapery roughly painted 10 resemble o
Venetian balcony All will ue portable
and OF the simplest, SO that Il may De
T carried from school To school and set uI
+ as reauired. For the scheme is to furnish
I such plays wherever suitable place Is
/ found. and the hope is that they VIII soon b'
self-supporting A pupils auHilia~y OF the
bows under the supervision OF Dir. GRADY
the principal of the school, Is beihs
/ formed 10 help in the Work. Inc ucAet'
will be issued free for the first perform
ance.
! "The people's music and drama com
,1ittee." recently organized. with Mr.. HopI
as chairman Mrs. j. Borden Hartman
vice-chairman: Dr. Knowlton. secretary
and Robbins Gilman. treasurer, has M
omen air plays in charge. The great hea
~ the last few weeks has interfered VIII
marked activity on Ge part OF the com
nittee. as II has with all matters theatrical
hut sufficient progress has been made L
Justify the hope that the play VIII tax
Mace as announced on July -.
The quality Of the entertainment VIII
high. Good professional actors VIII play
and the whole will be under the manase
rnent OF Warner GLAND. Considerable oppo
sition has been made 10 the Merchant q
Venice" the initial play proposed, I
many il has seemed that more populal
modern light comedy" would appeal NOR
Torc,hlv 10 such an audience The even
must decide. The judgment OF those az
customed TO dealing with the East Sid
IL that they are highly appreciatye
artistic plays. Foreigners, especially, wh
have mad the advantage OF seeing nm
dramatic work al home. feel the need {
something better than the moving pictui
shoy and the dizzy coaster roller.