Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1916-11-06
Series Of Lectures and
Plays During Winter

Entirely new, yet in keeping with the
progressive civic spirit of the modern
American community is the class room
theatre movement which will be intro
duced to Salem this winter by Prof.
Wallace Mac Murray, of Willamette uni
versity.
AS an educational factor working for
the cultural uplift and inspiration OF
the highest civic ideals this new dra-
matte movement has been an instantan-
eous success wherever introduced. Thia
has been largely due to the possibilities
which its limited atmosphere is capable
of demonstration.
Originating with Percy MacKaye,
who is recognized as America IS leading
dramatic writer and composer of the
present, the civic theatre, has had a
phenomenal growth during the past five
years. The popularity of the Washing
ton Square Players company of New
York is illustrative of the community IS
realization that a potential force for the
best in life has been hitherto neglected.
Here it is the spectator 3 privilege to
see that repertory which both elevates
the taste and refines the emotion. 1t is
| to the new dramatic movement 's credit
that it CLEANS "the sermons from the
stones which have been left by the way
side by producers of the spectacular, the
massive and the ponderous. Acting for
art s sake, and for art s sake alone, here
it is that the spectator may see things
on the stage not seen in professional
repertory. Nor is the acting of the
finish and polish of the high salaried
artist, but there is the revelation of
beauty, rythm and poetry of the com
posers while at their best. The insight
into such things aesthetic and cultural
is priceless in the inculcation of the best
in the community life. When it is known
| that only amateurs as a rule interpret
the roles, their artistry invariably APP
peals, for it is this rugged vitality and
sincerity of purpose that makes the
civic theatre so popular
Salem Folks to Interpret Plays.
Quick to realize that Salem is as yet
neglecting this field, Prof. Mae Murray
has announced series of six public lee
lures and plays for this winter which
will give graphic insight into the pos
sibilities of such a theatre to Salem
All of the casts for the respective plays
have been selected from prominent so
ciety folk of the Capital City which
will be sufficient to attract wide inter
est in the course. In addition to this an.
nouncement, will be the presence of
some noted soloist for a half hour :;
song recital before the professor opens
with the lecture proper. Mr.. Hartridge
Whip, of Portland who met with such
an appreciative audience when he ap-
pewared here in song this week, has
been secured to sing on the occasion of
the first number which is scheduled foi
November %. At this time Prof. Mae
Murray will lecture on "The Drama of
Symbolism" and present "The Golden
DOOM" one act play from the pen OF
Lord Dunsaony, who is considered to be
of England's really great dramatists
From the interest already manifested
from those who were privileged to hear
the professor S previous course, this new
series promises to be brilliant intellect
ual treat. Arrangement have already
been made for afnumber of box parties
at the Grand theatre where the opening
will be held. Course tickets may be OBJ
tanned from Prof. acMurray or mem
bers of the Willamette senior class
for 49,