New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-11-19
French Drama Society
Present First Play of
the Season.
''UNE FEMME PAssA." Ivy Romsine Coolus Al
The ThtAtre Frsncais
Bv HECTOR TURNRULL.

IL is rather difficult TO divine the
motives which inspired the directors
Of the French Drama Society to select
such conventional drama as "Une
Femme Passa," to open on Monday
night the new season at the Theatre
Francais, now atop the Century Opera
House. One understood their purpose
TO be the production of nothing but the
best of the classics and the most inter
esting of the moderns. The occasional
production of classical drama we must
all abide, of course; some of us with
cheerfulness and many with that
stoical resignation with which a youth
receives a necessary spanking or an
adult pays a necessary duty call. When
one considers, however, that there is
such a wide choice of interesting and
gay comedies and farces by con-
temporary French playwrights, it is
regrettable that a doleful, hackneyed
drama should have been presented. Not
that the play is wholly without virtue.
II is a fine example of that peculiar
stage craftsman for making a common
a
Its situations, artificial sometimes and
genuinely human at others, are led up
to and written with admirable skill.
Even the patiently narrative first act Is
managed in q fashion that saves il
from the appearance of talkiness by
the deft maneuvres Of the many char
acters involved.
"Une. Femme Passa" is the story Of
q married woman and the destruction
she wrought upon two of her many
lovers. She plays first with the affec-
tons Of young army officer and a
famous nerve specialist, and then plays
them one against the other. Finally
the young officer learns of the doctors
intrigue, and threatens TO kill him.
After the doctors domestic happiness
has been ruined and both he and the
officer compare notes and find that the
tickle Suzette has many other lovers,
the play ends in the doctors choosing
10 cleaye to his wife, instead of his
mistress Perhaps the most dramat-
ically effective scene in the play is
when the officer rushes into the doc
tors Office with q note written by the
doctor which he has found, and which
was sent to Suzette. After keeping the
officer from learning the author Of the
note a scene follows in which Suzette
enters and is denounced for her per-
fdy by the doctor.
What will probably be Of greatest
interest 10 American playgoers, who
nave had this theme served time and
again in various forms, will be the eX-
cellent acting of the French players.
Their clear diction and spirit is rare
treat to those of us who have heard
American and English players Of repu-
tation humble an authors lines out of
all meaning Nine. Yorska played the
doctors wife with intelligence and a
fine show Of feeling. In this role her
undeniable charm is particularly ap-
parent. NJ Benedict, with his reso-
nant voice, was a good figure for the
character of the doctor, and NJ. Ruben
PLAYED tho young officer with sincerity
and no little distinction. As Suzette
and Alice, a friend, Mines Revyl and
Guerande were equally effective. The
rest of the cast showed a schooling
and an ability pose in groups that is
rarely seen on the American stage,
where persons playing minor roles
usually endeayor to achieve distinction
bv elaborate gestures when speech IS
denied them. Altogether the acting OF
the many players is tribute to their
director. Nine. Horska.
"Les Romanesques," by Rostand, is
TO be given on Friday afternoon.