New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-18
m WIGS AND WINGS
Looking Up, Down and Around with the Provincctown
Pavers-Susan Glaspell and The People

Some of it sounds too true. The author
has made the harlot a woman of nduca-
ton. This is not quite fair, and worse
still it necessitates explanations. How
ever. it serves to afford contrast be-
tween the two characters. Cocaine
is. in many respects, a good piece OF
work, but it distinctly belongs in the
category of drama which cannot be
played to advantage.
Susan Glaspell's play, "1hc People
is much less snowy than "Cocaine," but
infinitely sounder and more worth
while. Naturally, it would be, for
Miss Glaspell has done more for
American drama than any playwright
of the year. "Trifes," Suppressed
Desires" (Which was written in col
liberation with George Cram Cook
and "The People" make up notable
contribution in a single season. "The
People" needs condensation and sim
plifcation. but this is a minor mat
ter beside the fact that it is built
upon a gorgeous plan and developed
with humor and telling eloquence, de-
spite a trace Of an intrusive literary
quality.
"Thc People" is the journal Of the
social revolution, and il is about to
70 on tho rocks. Into the Office there
comes the man who says that the
magazine has failed because it was
not serious enough, and the one who
thinks a lighter touch might have
saved the day, while the anarchist
feels that upon the cover or each
number should have been printed ITO
hell with the bourgeoisie!" Then
there is the subtle philosopher who
explains that there has been too much
efficiency; that the magazine would
have more form if it had been more
formless, and that the editors would
have found what they wanted II they
had not known what they wanted.
After the various conscientious OBJ
iectors have been banished, the edi-
tors sit down TO talk things over
Not only cash is lacking, but faith
as well. The editor doesn't believe IN
the people any more. He's sure that
they don't want to be expressed IL
would topple them over.
A member Of the staff reads an
editorial which the chief wrote only
the wear before, and, by the way, Miss
Nina Noise makes the reading tell
ing bit. The fire has gone out. The
editor SAYS he devised the piece only
N make the associate editor jealous.
But during the reading a woman from
Idaho has come into the room, and she
tells the editor that, whether he be-
riovos his words or not, she does.
| She read the message in stray copy
Of "The People" in a far-of village
and has come 10 hear more. The truth
he wrote is bigger than himself. her
faith in the message endures even II
his has died. And when the printer
comes up for the tenth time tnao
,oorning TO inquire whether the maya
zine is going 10 90 on or not the edi-
tor tells him that "The People" must
20 on. II cant stop.
+ II we can get hold Of copy OF the
,iav before next week we would Ike
70 print the editorial which IS read
for il sounds like a capital piece OF
writing. Susan Glaspell plays the part
Of the woman who heard the call with
depth and spirit and George Cram
Cook is good as the editor. marry
KemD makes the anarchist amusing.
Altogether. "Tbe People" is vigorous
BIT Of work. though It needs TRIM
ming.
Harry Kemp, the actor IL also a
PLAYWRIGHT. ~ IL happens, and the hrst
number % the bill - his contribution.
II n called "The Prodigsl SON. ana
casts good deal Of doubt upon re
,.pentance o. that traveller 10 far-oh
lands. A. matter Of fact, II seems
that the ProdIgal comes back only Tor