New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-09-22
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casually. As a result. the Irish Player 10
the London playgoer
ne success has opened up the question
as TO whether the Abbey Theatre shall
make London a headquarters as we'll
rs Dublin Irishmen in Ireland, one can
understand, will look askance al such
a proposal; but those In London who are
. interested in the Celtic movements class
by no means composed Of Irlshmen only
could, we believe, and would, II the
Players were regularly established In
London. provide quite as influential a
backing as they have had in Dublin.
Merely as a commercial undertaking, the
theatre could make bigger financial sue
cess here than could be made in Dublin
Mr.. Arthur Sinclair recently declared that
thoy could give The Playboy'' for A
whole year in London. and draw packed
houses.
After all. London from a Tsphical
point Of view. IS more suitable than Dub
lin as dramatic centre. The only other
places in Ireland that the Players visit
atc Belfast and Cork. and any sort 81 a
national tour is out OF the question. But
in England they can find audiences, OF
I Irishmen in London, Liverpool. the Mid
lands, Sheffield, Bradford. Leeds and nu-
merous other centres. At present they
spend less than three months in England,
where they might profltaby spend six.
And n f. in England that they will
effect greater things IN the cause OF
their nationality. A Londoner. after see
ing the Players. confessed TO me that
although ho was born In Ireland. lie had
, never before felt any emotion approach
ing patriotism TIL he saw the Abbey The
atre Players And from what l know Of
irishmen n England this will be gen
eral effect. 4 really comprehensive tour
OF England would lead 10 an astonishing
revival OF nationality among freshmen
not reached by such popular organiza-
lions AS the Gaelic League or such
learned bodies as the Irish Literary So
cis.y II goes without saying that the
effect on Englishmen-whos understand
ing of their Irish brothers is far from
perfect would also be beneficial
An objection which has been raised 20
the Irish Literary Theatre finding home
IN London IS that, living away from
Irish scenes and language, the Players
might not preserve their art. The theory
is feasible 10 some extent. but II is too
much to believe that the Players will
ever lose their nationality. Even nov
they only see Ireland during their Dub
lin season-about four months in the year.
". 3. Yeats came TO London when h.
was eighteen years old, and has spent
good deal OF his time here since; yet
I'm no one does the Celtic spirit And
a more perfect expression.
About twenty-five years ago. when the
American actors under the late Nj.
Augustine Daily were in this country,
they felt the need for some sort OF head
quarters in London Accordingly, Mr..
Day built a theatre, and during the ptfi-
Oh In which his company were not in
London the house vas let TO other the
atrical organizations. Why could not the
Irish Theatre do likewise? Why not
build a theatre In London-to be known
as the Irish Theatre--in which the Alb
hey Players could appear during their
London seasons. which, in view OF re-
cent receptions. will probably be length
ened During their absence the theatre
could be hired by other companies. but
the fact that the theatre was the Irish"
Theatre, would be A most valuable per-
manent advertisement And l am car-
tain that for such a movement there
would be strong financial backing In Lon
don, and that the Irish plays themselves
would he remunerauve.