The Washington times., 1916-11-07
DIVINE SARAH" HOLDS
HOUSE ENTHRALLED
Audience at National Welcomes
IndomitabIe French Actress
in cleopatra"

The tribute Washington paid last
night to Sarah Bernhardt, on the be-
ginning of her weeks engagement at
the National Theater. and probably
her last forever in this country, was
the most intent. interested and re-
sponsive audience which has been
housed in this city. 10. these many
years.
The applause which greeted her
upon her first appearance as Cleo
patra," in THE Death of Cleopatra"
the appreciation with which her per-
Torrance of Marc Bertrand, q dying
French soldier. In From the Theater
TO the Field OF Honor" was received;
and the denomination at her last
appearance as Violaine, in lie Wit
| ran" all was given with a spontaneity
which might well be envied.
The plays were given In French, and
all, although short. allow for the
fullest display of the talents of the
great actress.
At End Of Career.
In THE Death OF Cleopatra" the cur
| tain rises on the Queen a. she lies on
her couch surrounded BY her slaves.
She II at the end OF her career. Fear
| ing capture from Octavius, who Is APP
/
| OF her death. but has sent messengers
| to Antony reassuring him of her safety.
| A Jealous suitor has caused the mes
| sengers to be killed In the hope that
| Antony will never return. A messenger
| from Antony, however. MORALLY wound
ed. creeps In and tells the Queen OF the
treachery; warns her that Antony has
been defeated by Octavius. and coun-
sells that she fly.
| Pretending TO accept the love OF the
Il A.
her couch. only to stab him in the
shoulder as he kneels.
| Close upon his death comes the news
that Marc Antony is approaching.
He comes. begs Cleopatra to fly with
him but she will not leave Egypt. even
for him. She sends him away. learns
that Octavius Is on his way to her, and
prepares for him. Taking the asp from
Its basket OF leaves. she holds II for a
| moment In her bosom.
| An instant later Octavius enters, only
TO have her salute him. dying. This
Iplay In In one act. and written by Henri
Cain and Maurice Bernhardt.
In the next play In which Madame
| Bernhardt appeared she took tho role
of a young soldier OF France. dying from
his wounds. In n devastated wood. His
leg is broken, and there Is a wound In
his chest. In civil life he was an actor
and when he comes to the greatest trag
edy in his own life. his death. he die,
asking forgiveness for his enemies, ant
praising France with his last breath.
Last Play.
The last play shows violaine. waiting
patiently for her husband who hal
gone to the holy wars. In order e
test her love for him he returns u
darkness. clothed In a black cowl. anC
will not let her approach.
His eye Is gone. his arm cut of, ant
his body contaminated by caring fol
, lepers. he claims. But Violaine will no
desert him. begs that he come to he
and takes him in her arms. overJoye'
, TO End that he is whole. Rene Fauchoi
Is the author.
A clever one-act domestic comedy
Peace at Home" was given after tn
lfirst play.
Included In the supporting company
which Is adequate. are NJ. Angelo. wh'
played opposite Madame Bernhardt. an,
Margaret Mower, who appears as tn
: Spirit OF Play" before each act. 4
explain In English the Forthcoming
events. +. Y.