New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1918-04-05
Drama
David Belasco Makes An
Appeal for the Washing-
ton Square Players
By David Belasco

l nave been asked by at least a
dozen people within the last few weeks
iot my opinion of the so-called ANA
teur theatrical organizations. whether
'hey should be supported and encopr-
aged or lett without patronage. In all
instances my answer has been: Ger
family they should be Supported who,
'hey prove themselves worthy, The
question has applied particularly ia
uhe washington Square PLAYERS. and
"hlIe 90 not regard them as anna.
'eurs now, IN the strict sense of the
Woiu, lhey started by so representing
umSmselVes to the public. l have
W ' ne 11 their work from its beginning
a.. e.. VIE bandoox Theatre, and no one
was more interested than when thew
moved to the Comedy. 1t is true that
thls move took them out of their novel
environment and some of us regretted
H. put possibly they felt that thev
needed larger house to give a broader
scope to their efforts.
ne new home meant more rcspon-
slollltles and increased expenses; in
tact. they faced the same problems
confronting the professional manager.
unfortunately, the general public is
- ""iils 'o patronlZe such organiZa-
IONS unless an exceptional bill is pre-
found. ~ Ne
But the Washington Square PLAYERS
nave some very interesting one.act
plays to their credit. With their en-
thuslasm and optimism they have pro-
duced plays at which a more conserva-
wv we management would hesitate. To
me glory of the Washington Square
Flayers they have brought out several
one-act pieces worthy of permanent
PAGES on the American stage. I am
thinking of "Bushido" and the delicht-
ful plots and Playwrights.
1t is true that l have criticised the
amateurs, but it was because of con-
oltioh thac has ceased to exist. Since
~ mas ceased to exist l have nothing
ouo praise. | welcome sincere efforts
a. = improve the art of acting, of pro-
ouctlon and all that goes with the
work Of the stage
IN my earl y days in New York was
often occupied with amateur produc-
lions. Mrs. James Brown Potter E1siA
de Wolfe, Edward Fayles Coward and
Robert billiard are a few of the we'll
known people of the profession whn
began as amateurs. Whenever | see a
group OF young people so interested
IN tAe stage that they are willing to
give II all their time and effort | am
al"ays reminded OF my own interes,
and love for the same object.
The Washington Square Plavers have
worked hard for recognition and arc
entitled to it. They should be encour-
aged and supported. They were never
more entitled to that support than now.
when the call for funds in other direc-
Uions mas probably diminished their in
come. The time TO extend aid is when
II is needed. 1t is no reflection on the
" ashlngton Square Players to saw thu #
'hey need assistance. Some of the
greatest managers have had to travel
over rough roads and have only sue
ceeded through the aid Of friends and
puolic-spirited patrons.
1t is all very well to help artists who
come to US from foreign countries-w
should aid them. Men like Granville
Barker and Jean Jacques Copeau should
be and have been assisted by our
wealthy citizens. They deserve SUP.
port. But at the same time, our own
people should not be forgotten They
are clearly entitled to recognition, not
only because they are our own, but
because their efforts are worthy. 1t is
no more possible for an organization
TO work on an empty purse than it is
for an individual to work on an empt,
stomach
The financial support needed should
be given now No matter how grea
the success Of one bill, the next may
fail. NO one is infallible, since no one
can see into the future
We are now in the midst of a wa.
and constant demands are being mad,
upon our purses; but it would be
matter for genuine regret should tn.
Washington Square Players abando,
their work through lack of patronage
They have shown that they have thu
three great P's"-"Patience, Perse
verance and Pluck" This is an op
portunity for people of means to come
to the aid of our own children of tn,
footlights that these players may con
tinue their praiseworthy efforts The.
have worked so we'll as a group, eacl
one willing to walk on without a lin,
that the leading man of to-day is tn,
super Of tomorrow, and this spir
should be encouraged. We need it il
America.
am making this plea to rich me,
and women. hope they may heed it