South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1914-12-26
SEE
COMEDY DRAMA AS
CHRISTMAS TREAT

OSSINING. y. Y. Dec. Econ
victs who had not heard a woman s
voice for 40 years sat daZed and over
whelmed en- the chapel OF Sing Sing
prison Friday while dainty Miss Alice
Brady and her associates OF the Will
lam A. Brady company presented for
the first time Ola any stage the four
act comedy drama, sinners by owen
Davis.
Hardened offenders. strangers for
years 10 any Of the emotions save
those which sway the underworld. fol-
lowed with strained faces and eager
eyes the lines OF the simple play
which for the nonce at least took
them out Of their world OF locks and
bars.
II was Mr. Brady's inspiration to
give this most remarkable premier
performance of Mr. Davis play before
the inmates OF Sing Sing prison Fri
day-a premier such as no play has
ever before been given. and surely
never before have COnvicts been
treated to so unusual and manifestly
enjoyable Christmas festival.
Justifies Warden's Faith.
Presented under the auspices Of the
Golden Rule Brotherhood" Of the
prison, the play justified to the full
Warden OsbOrne's faith in his charges
IN the fact that more than 800 pris-
oners. divided into two groups wit
messed the two performances which
were given during the afternoon, in
darkened auditorium with none but
guards from their own ranks i'm sight,
and not a single instance of disorder
was noted or reported.
The play dealt with the struggle of
young country girl against the
temptations of city life, and was the
main feature of the Christmas cele-
bration at Sing Sing. Staged by Mr.
Brady in cooperation with the Gold
en- Rule brotherhood" of the prison.
IN the chapel where Mr.. Brady's as
sistants had constructed a stage and
set up the scenery especially brought
from New York for the purpose. a
group OF 500 prisoners was first
marched into the impromptu theater
and seated in the rough benches A
piano manned by an inmate furnished
the music.
4 stranger scene has never before
been witnessed in a theater Most of
the gray-garbed opnvjets removed
their coats upon eEteri:is; and lawyer
and physician, banker. pfckpocket.
house breaker and man-slayer sat
shoulder 20 shoulder as the curtain
was drawn aside and the play was un-
folded. From the rear of the hOuse
lights shOne on the performers on the
stage. the scene was much like that
ordinarily observed from the gallery
OF any playhouse. But n view from
the stage disclosed the faces of 500
men-each of a type-immersed i'm
the sentiments which the lesson Of
the play evoked. Gratitude for the
diversion which had been brought in
10 their lives appeared to struggle
with amazement that such things
could be.
Applause is Frequent.
Keen appreciation of the play was
the dominant note and the applause
was frequent and hearty Immediate
~ after the first performance had
been concluded the men were march
ed out and the second group marched
in.
Mr.. Brady was called 10 the foot
lights at the conclusion of the first
performance and forced 10 make a
speech, as was also Warden Osborne.
10 whom was presented series of
resolutions adopted by the convicts.
thanking him for his efforts in behalf
OF the inmates of tho r,rie,r