New-York tribune., 1919-07-06
LilIah Mccarthy NOiU
Producing Plays
In London

LII LOUuOU
Lillah Mccarthy, who attracted much
attention here as leading figure in
productions by her former husband,
Granville Barker, is now acting in her
own productions in London. "The Lon
don Daily Telegraph" recently printed
the following interview with the
actress-manager:
"The ascent to the top story of
A6elphi Terrace is fairly precipitous.
But, once there, the adventurous trav-
sller finds abundant compensation for
aIy pains he may have been put to.
Here, of morning, should business
not call her to the theatre, Miss Lillah
Mccarthy works or receives visitors.
The walls of the room are we'll lined
with books; on the other hand, there
is ample evidence that its owners love
of literature is counterbalanced by
pretty taste in the matter of the more
decorative arts.
"Miss Mccarthy was discovered to
use the stage formula, examining a
cumber of particularly effective photo
graphs. just received, of herself in the
character of Judith, and naturally our
conversation started with reference
to Mr.. Arnold Bennett's play and its
production at the Kngsway.
Arnold Benefits Judith"
at does seem rather unfortunate
sad Miss Mccarthy, that just as had
launched the piece this sudden and,
from the managerial standpoint, un-
timely arrival of summer weather
should have brought out-of-door
amusements into favor again. But,
really, one must not grudge pleasure
seekers the chance Of once more
breathing the fresh air of country or
seaside. Besides, as experience has
frequently shown, the public is quick
20 adapt itself to any change of condi-
tions, and one may reasonably hone
that the present slight setback to bust
ness at the theatres will not prove OF
a lasting description.
"'For myself, regard the production
OF judith" as a particularly interest
ing experiment. Objection has been
raised in some quarters to the methods
ana the point Of view adopted by the
author. Well. it would have been easy
for me to have had version of the old
German play dealing with the same
subject made for my use. But that
would hardly have given me the re-
suits | aimed at.
"'Mr. Bennett furnished me with ex-
actly what | wanted. 1t is a theory OF
mine that we are a little too ready to
consider Biblical history-and for the
purpose of my argument | include the
Apocrypha-as a thing apart and out OF
touch with the spirit of to-day. But
Judith. after all, was a woman, and, al
though many centuries separate her
from us, as modern, in essentials, as
any twentieth century maiden. An en-
thusast, prepared TO sacrifice hersef
for her people and her faith, she could
easily be paraleled within recent times
by similarity heroic figures. Note, fur
ther, that the old masters have always
painted her in the colors proper TO
their own particular period, and why
should the same privilege be denied to
Mr.. Bennett? This is the first time
have appeared in a piece written by
him, and / can hardly say how keenly
have enjoyed the experience and how
greatly have been struck, when study
ing his dialogue, with the delcacy OF
it's texture and with the clarity Of his
style.
"My next new production will be
comedy Of English life by Eden Phil
potts. the distinguished novelist, VINO
is fast becoming equally well known as
a playwright. The piece, entitled st.
George and the Dragon is chfming
bit Of work, the action, which takes
place in Devonshire. being concerned
with the rivalry existing between the
members Of county and those of
good old yeoman family.
Coming Productions
"At present am in negotiation
have, indeed, practically settled for
an English version now being made by
George Egcrton (Mrs. Golding Bright
Of Henry Bernstein's great play Lille
vation,' which you may remember was
first produced at the Comedie Francais
in June. 1917"
Another play have is an adapta-
tion by Major +. Brett Young and Mr..
w. Edward Stirling Of the formers
successful novel The Crescent Moon"
Bronx Park
The motordrome, witching waves and