New-York tribune., 1918-06-02
Where Theatres
Thrive and Light
Operas Flourish
South American Cities Loue
Cayefy and Diver
sion

Buenos Ayres. - The Termination OF
tho theatrical and musical season in
North America. which comes about the
middle Of May, Is just the beginning Of
the amusement events in Argentina,
Chile, Uruguay and Southern Brazil.
IN fact, little seems to be known about
theatricals in the countries south of
the equator, outside Of the opera in
Bueros Ayres, which in many respects
I. unsurpassed in any city in the
vorld. The Argentine is a great opera
tovsr. and, like his North American
brother, the best is none too good, so
the fame Of the Teatro Colon, Buenos
Ayes, is brought here by the many
Metropolitan stars who have won fame
IN the exacting Argentine capital be-
fore coming to New York and Chicago
But Electrically speaking, American
managers know little that goes on in
the dramatic, comedy and musical COM
adv field in that section of the world.
This is quite natural, as such produc-
tons are given In Spanish, French and
If4ll0n. ana Nuc AIuCAiSdA pAO0uSC1 Aiu
artist (outside of the opera singers)
ara content to speak only their
own language. But it is hoped that
time will remove this barrier and 1t
vill not be many years before there
will be an exchange of plays and play
ers between the Latin republics and
the United States.
Asa theatre loving city Buenos Ayres
is second to none. The people Of the
eay Southern metropolis love life and
and light musical plays must be the
best, so during the winter months,
which are June, July and August, the
most noted stars and companies of
Spain, France and Italy are imported
for the season. In some of the French
companies one often finds English per-
formers who speak French to the man
ner born.
As yet the Argentinos depend en-
tirely upon Europe for their theatrical
and musical artists. In fact, all South
American talent is imported, and to the
present time there is little encourage
ment held out to native-born artists.
But times are bound to change, for
in the near future Argentina and her
neighboring republics are going to find
that native plays and home-bred ar
fists will appeal more than foreign.
The South Americans, like their
Spanish brothers, are fond of tragedy,
and nearly all the visiting dramatic
companies produce the most blood
curdling sort of melodrama. True, the
entire cast is composed of players OF
the first rank. The Spanish actor is a
finished artist He goes on the stage at
tender age, and before playing lead
ing roles he has had years of expert
ence in all kinds of parts. He is
taught voice production, poise, express
sion, dancing, fencing and the art of
makeup and dress. Only the scenery
comes in for censure. So it can read
lily be understood that should COM
pany of American actors journey in
this so-called Land Of Mafiana" they
must be finished artists.
The Western dramas, such as "Ari
zona," should greatly appeal to the Ar
gentino playgoer. The people from
that section of the world like dramas
that call for plenty of action. Cow
boys and Indians figure a great deal In
their lives. They have their plains dot
ted with ranches, and the picturesque
cowboys are unexcelled horsemen.
Thus many interesting dramas could be
written around incidents of such life.
In history every country in the whole
OF the southern continent could fur
nish material, for many are the heroes
to lose their lives fighting for the
cause Of freedom. But until some ma
tive dramatist comes forth with great
play and incites others to follow in his
footsteps all the Southern countries
Will keep depending on Europe for
their amusements.
In the city of Buenos Ayres there
are forty-eight theatres, which do an
excellent business during the season.
thls number includes the Teatro Colon
and the first class picture houses.
Every one advertises in the Ave big
ossi!es, and those who know the rates
oi such journals as ia Prensa," LA
Nacion," LA Razon" and others will
realize what kind of houses must be
atawn in order to show any sort of
profit.
The city of Buenos Ayres has q pop