New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-06-04
THE FRENCH STAGE
A "Mystery Play" by d'Annun'
zio, with Music by Debussy.

Paris. May %.
1.-The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian,
mystery play in ive acts, written in archaic
French octosylabic verse by Gabrielle
d'Annunzio, with descriptive sacred music
by Claude Debussy, with superb medieval
scenery and costumes by the Russian ar
list Leon Bakst and dances arranged py
the Russian choreograph Fokine produced
last night at the Chatelet. caused strange
and profound impression This mystery
is introduced, according to the custom OF
the Middle Ages by prologue which eX-
plains the stage setting and garments,
which might otherwise be considered as
I anachronisms. The religious convictions OF
; fervid Roman Catholics were kindled by
public protest against this mystery play
made by the Archbishop Of Paris, who re-
minded Catholics that they must attend
no theatrical performances offensive 10
Christian consciences. and that this injunc-
ton obviously applies to the play IN ques-
ton" Signor d'Annunzio and NJ. Debussy
~ once replied that. Ito the best OF their
belief their work is a deeply religious.
dramatic and lyric glorifcation. not only
of the sanity athlete who served Christ, |
but OF all Christian heroism," and added
that 1T cannot shock the most rigid Cath
olics but may convert unbelievers.' The
play is certainly medieval. and Signor
d 'Annunzio's statement that he has not
used a single word that has pedigree OF
less than three centuries seems well !
founded Monsgnor Annette, nevertheless
persists in the injunction because 1T puts
on the stage under the most unseemly con-
Aitions the story of one of our most glori-
Gus martyrs" 1t has been suggested that
the real motive Of the Arohbshops dehu"-
citation is that the part OF saint Sepastiah
is acted by ballerina (Mle. Ida Rupih-
stein, and because all OF sisnor Anhuh-
zio's works have been placed on the INDEX
Expurzatorius by the Vatican. On this
account strict Catholics. including large
portion of the fashionable society OF the
Faubourg Saint-Germain. cancelled their
subscriptions and abstaincd from the per-
Torrance.
The first act opens in the court OF Az
nunciation lilies,'' presenting marvellous
Botticelli-like picture in exquisite tones OF
blues, greens, blacks and whites. The Ro-
man project Androncus pronounces Judg-
ment upon the twin brothers, Marcus ana
Marcellinus. young converts 10 Christianity
who are seen writhing In agony, and with
bare chests against the ropes that BIND
them to alabaster columns. Their mother
becomes converted at the sight OF their SUI
fering, and this Is followed by that OF the
chief Of the archers. Sebastian, who. clad
IN gold armor stands near the project.
Sebastian afirms his conversion by per-
forming the miracle Of dancing with bare
feet with impunity. on furnace OF glowing
Goals while the annuncation lilies are
transformed into angels. who chant meio-
dious hymns Of alteration.
The second act takes place in a vast hall, |
IN deep red and brown hues. devoted TO
the celebration of antique mysteries.
Magicians presiding over luminous caul- |
drons predict the advent of a prophet.
Sebastian appears and is followed by
faithful band Of converts. A chorus Of men
and women, all stricken by disease, I'M |
plore Sebastian TO reveal the new faith !
and to cure them. They ask Sebastian to
tell them more about Christ and TO de-
scribe in detail His personal appearance. |
Sebastian hesitates to comply with this re-
quest But girl. wasted away with
fever, comes forth from a group OF Grip |
pies discloses In her person the figure OF
Christ and unfolds her shroud bearing the
blood stains Of the Sacred Body.
In the third act the Emperor Diocletian
summons Sebastian 10 appear in the throne
room. The Emperor listens to Sebastian's
defence and to his renewed afilrmations OF
Christian belief. Impressed with the ex-
traordinary grace ana youthful destinations
OF Sebastian. which evoke the pagan cult |
IRE OF Apollo and OF Adonis. Diccletian Of |
fers to share with him the rule of the world. |
Sebastian disdainfully refuses. dashes to
ology and declares that he can belong only |
to Christ lie predicts the coming of the
Saviour. and is condemned to refined tort !
ure and to be smothered TO death with
roses.
The fourth act passes in beautiful
Is TO be shot at by the archers whom he
formerly commanded. The arrows pierce
his body. but do not kill him. One of the
arrows. flying heavenward. touches the
breast OF God. whereupon Sebastian's soul
rises TO Paradse.
The nth act Is an apotheosis OF Chris
tianity, where one sees marvellous effects
Of light and hears chorusus OF sacred
music and low. impressive orchestrations
Of divine hymns
Tho impressions aroused by this strange
mystic poem are these OF religious convic-
ton amidst which. like "a sort OF leit-motjf.
one finds the idea OF Saint Sebastian being
the Christian eincarDation OF Apollo.
Mile. Ida Rubinstein possesses the physique