The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1913-12-13

A Fargo clergyman has written a
will for the time being be called Mixed
Marriages. Mr.. Halliday of the
Grand theatre after reading the
same has decided to produce it at the
Grand for three nights commencing
Monday, Dec. %, AS it is the first
time the play has ever been presented
The Forum has decided to let the pub
lie be the real critics. of this play.
The newspaper critics are not the
only critics who pass judgment upon a
theatrical performance. Every person
in n audience, young or old, expert
enced Or inexperienced in theatrical
matters, passes Judgment upon 1t, ac-
cording to his or her point of view,
and in the end, it is this judgment Of
the public which counts.
+ 1t is doubtful if many of the audi
ence realize that they are achieving
results in a critical capacity, but it is
nevertheless true, and they would be
fully aware of it if they would only
stop to analyze their impressions.
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 Fargo, in
IA4dLIS1S JUL i1uSlCdI anu uTdIlldLlCJ
The Forum herewith offers to the
writer who shall send in the clearest,
most concise. interesting and we'll
written criticism Of this new play,
Mixed Marriages, ten box Seats for any
performance of the Grand Stock Co.;
to the second best six box seats and
to the third best four box seats, and
two seats each for any performance
to the ten next best writer's Or criti-
cisms. ~.
While not desiring to hamper con-
testants in their literary style, it is
necessary, assuming that they are n
accustomed to analyzing a theatrical
performance, to give them a certain
formula which they should adhere to
or be governed in by their. criticism of
Mixed Marriages.
... The Play.
brief synopsis Of plot or theme.
2-Have the authors succeed in pre-
and convincing?
3-HaVe the authors preserved the
unity of time and place?
Are the characters we'll drawn?
5-Is the dialogue natural?
SIS there or Is there not sufficient
"action?"
lis the moral good or bad?
The Players.
1.-The leading characters-Are they
equal in their portrayals of the lead
ing roles to the demands Of the char
%acters? Do they adhere to the char
acters not only in %delineation, but in
makeup dress Inc manner? What
distinguishes them from other featured
players of their types, ETC., etc.?
2-Are the various members Of the
cast capable in their roles?
Criticize each one down to the least
member.
The Producers.
Have the producers done their
part In providing proper scenery. Co.'S
tunes, lighting and mechanical effects,
and all necessary accessories to make
the environment desired by the au-
thors?
Criticism should be addressed Crit
icism Contest, care Forum, and should
be mailed SO as to reach The Forum
Office by Dec. rs.
Criticisms should be brief as possible
under the formula, and should be writ
ten on one side of the paper only, and
must bear the name and address Of
the writer. Name will not be publish
ed If writer requests it withheld.
Helpful Hints to Contestants.
OF course a criticism to make good
reading should be something more
than a mere plain statement Of facts.
The critics own personality may sup
port it, but never oVershadow it. The
critic should be satisfied to fill his Of
as satisfactorily as does the ideal
accompanist who supports his soloist
with rare skill n sympathy so that
the work of the soloist and not his
will claim the attention of the
audience.
In reviewing the dramatist's work,
it is well to remember that Moliere
and all the great writer's for the stage
held to the opinion that complications,
catastrophe and denouncemc..& should
be subordinate to atmosphere ans char
acter drawing. The analysis of events
must give place to the analysis Of
persons, so maintain modern drama
lists of the higher school.
. AS the review Of the play and it's
setting is easier than a review Of it's
proper presentation by. the players,
perhaps a few words regarding what
really is may not be amiss.
Probably the ordinary playgoer would
be swift to accept the first OF two def
proposed by the late Bronson
Howard, one of Americas most noted
;.
1.-THE art of acting is the art of NOV
ing. speaking and appearing on the