Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-06-15
ANU Sc NJ EMIT S
PLAY AND PERFORMANCE
WELL WORTH SEEING

In "The TRUTH" happily selected by
Arthur Berthelet for presentation by
his stock company at the Bijou Thea
ter this week. may be seen the work of
the late Clyde Fitch, master craftsman,
a its best. Constructed so carefully
so skillfully, that it's construction is
never apparent, the play is a veritable
slice o life transferred to the stage,
with only such cXaggcrations and EN-
phases as the playwright's art-likc
that of the actor-prescribes as neces-
sary in order to convey the naturalness
Of it to an audience. Its situations are
unforced its dialogue is frequently
bright. and always unstagy: its comedy
is never farce, and its theme is based
upon a human frailty cngcndered by
the father OF all lies.
Since it tells the story OF series OF
lies, it-likewise naturally-contains
most of the dramatic qualities, ranging
from the humorous to the tragic. But
since ii was written by Il very prac-
teal man of the thcatcr, the threat
cned tragedy is avcrtcd. and there is
provided the happicst possible ending.
Further, as The Truth is essentially a
comedy of morals. its conclusion is also
frightened by humor, though the whole
is n very real sermon.
Not only because Clara Bloodg God
played ii here some years ago, but be-
cause the play has been described
again and again within the last few
days, il isn't necessary to rctell the
tale. except to say that it deals with
n young wife who lies and lies to her
husband about little things. until. when
her big moment comes and he must
rely upon her word alone to cNculpnte
her. he cannot force himself TO believe
her. and disaster thrcatens-falls. in
deed. for a brief period.
1.-The Truth" was happily selected be-
cause in the performance of two most
important parts-witely differing In
character-two members OF the com :
pany are enabled to disclose their real
ability Miss Taylor and Miss Fitzroy.
rare worth that his performance last
night. able though 1t was, only
strengthened n position already estab-
lished.
AS the hbbing wife, Miss Taylor is
not only more attractive personally
than she has been during her engage
ment-which is, of course. quite beside
the marS-but she plays with n re-
sourcefulness that fully suhstantiates
her reputation IS an actor. Through
out the early part of the play, she
strikes precisely the proper key: she is
light, careless, Dctulant and lovab!e, III
spitc OF her constant lies. But, when
her house tumbles about her ears. she
Is all emotion--und again on the right
key In a long crying scene In the
third act, she carried an extremely diff
ficult hit to success last night. holding
even the Monday night B!jou audience
Miss Fitzroy, as the husband seeking
Mrs. Malnprop, also comes into her
own The character might easily he
ruined by being overplaycd; but Miss
Fitzroy makes every line of it tell 10
its fullest effect, to the accompaniment
of such business" and facial express
sion as would carry the part in panto-
rl, "a ri . ~. 10 net
| infreuuently seen, and more delicious.
~ amusing delineation OF a type could
hardly be conceived.
Mr.. Arnold had not become set In the