The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1913-12-23
The Grand.

The Black Flag, the play toSlnS pre-"
scented at the Grand the first half OF
the week, Is to be criticised by the
public. .
In conjunction with Manager George
Fowler and with a view of getting the
opinions Of the patrons OF the Grand
Set down in logical sequence to assist
him in catering to the people Of Far
| go. in matters both musical and ORA
matte. The Forum herewith offers to
| the writer who shall 9 in the clear
| est, most concise. interesting and well
! written criticism of this new play, The
Black Flag, ten box seats for any per-
| Torrance Of the Grand Stock Co; to
| the second best six box seats and to
| the third best four box seats, n two
| seats each for any performance to the
ten next best writer's or criticisms.
While not desiring to hamper con-
t~estants in their literary style, it Is
| necessary, assuming that they + u
accustomed to analyze a theatrical
| performance, to give them a certain
formula which they should adhere to
or be governed in by their criticism
of The Black Flag.
The Play.
l. Brief synopsis Of plot or theme.
2. Have the authors succeeded IN
presenting the plot well? Is 1t con-
sistent and convincing?
8. Have the authors preserved the
| unity of time and place?
4. Are the characters we'll drawn?
s. Is the dialogue natural?
s. Is there or is there not sufficient
"action?"
I. Is the moral good or bad?
The Players.
1. The leading characteristic they
equal in their portrayals of the cad
ing roles to the demands of the char
acters? Do they adhere to the char
acters not only in delineation, but In
makeup, dress and manner? What
| distinguishes them from other featur-
ed players of their types, etc, etc?
2. Are the various members Of the
supporting cast capable in their roles?
| Criticize each one down to the least
important member.
The Producers.
1. Have the producers done their
part in providing proper emery, Co.'S
tunes. lighting and mechanical effects,
| and all necessary accessories to a.
| the environment desired by the au-
thors? .,
Criticism should be addressed Crit
icism Contest, are Forum, n should
| be mailed so as to reach The Forum
| office by Dec. rs.
Criticisms should be brief as pos
| sible under the formula, n should
| be written on one side Of the paper
| only, and must bear the name and ad-
dress Of the writer. Name will not
be published IL writer requests it
| withheld.
Helpful Hints to Contestants.
OF course a criticism to make good
reading should be something more
| LF.-. ~Jot~o SnfAannn Of FnrfE
| The critics w personally may sup
port it.. but never o~vershadow it. The
critic should be satisfied to fill his Of
flee as satisfactorily as does the ideal
| accompanist who supports his soloist
| with rare skill and sympathy SO that
| the work of the soloist and not his
| own will claim the attention of the
audience.
In reviewing the dramatist's work,
it Is we'll to remember that Moliere
and all the great writer's for the stage
held to the opinion that complications,
catastrophe and announcement should
be subordinate to atmosphere and
character drawing. The analysis OF
events must give place to the analysis
lof persons. so maintain modern dra
mat s of the higher school.
The last half Of the week, Under
! Two Flags, will be the offering at the
Grand theatre. This play is a
familiar one to all nj a timely Of
fering for Christmas week. A feature
Of the play will be a new member OF
the stock company, w. Adrian Of
Chicago, who comes to fill the position
through the resignation of Randolph
I Gray. MI. Adrian comes to. Fargo
with splendid recommendations and
should draw capacity 1houses every
night next week. Mr.. Adrain will al.
SO play. a leading role in the bin the
first half of the week, The Black