The broad ax., 1921-12-24
Presentation of Play Before Delegates
Significant

| EAGSChlaAAOn Vi ray DCAOAC NGAGBoNS'
Significant
The presentation of the play befor,
the delegates to the Arms Conferenc,
was of significant importance to the
reputation and standing of the Negro
race as it pictured to them something
Of the cultural aspects of the life Of
the Colored people in this country
The Howard University Department
of Dramatic Arts was enthusiastically
supported by the administrative Of
hcials Of the University, DR.. Durkee,
President, and DIR. Scott. Secretary
Treasurer. in its effort to present the
Colored people in a favorable light to
the delegates to the World Confer
ence. The special program included
musical and dramatic features. In
addition to the nearly one hundred
official guests, the chapel was crowded
to its doors by the representative
citizens Of Washington, both white
and colored.
Creative and Original Aspects of
Racial Life Featured
The program was arranged so as to
impress upon the foreign delegates the
creative and original aspects of our
racial life in its significant contribu-
tons to American civilization. The
feature of the evening was the won
derful presentation of the great spirit
ual race-drama, Simon, the Cyrenian,"
written by Ridgley Terrence for the
Negro Theatre. The play powerfully
paints the tragic scene where Simon,
the great African insurrecto. while
refusing to rescue the Christ by force
from his Roman captors at The instiga-
ton of Procula, wife of Plate, yet
does relieve the stricken Son of God
from the deadly burden of the Cross
and bears it himself up Calvary to the
place of crucihxion. Thus the play
had a special significance because it
stressed the Negroes message of peace
and divine love to the world The
work of the Howard Players is. now
established, but individual
honor must be given to the members
Of the cast Helen Webb as Procula. |
Ottie Graham as Acte, Horace Scott |
as Drusus, Henry Owens as Brattus,
Frazier Miller as Barrabas, Harold |
Bledsoe as the Centurion. Julian
IS Longinus, John Broadnax, Aston
Burleigh, and August Torrance as the
Knockers; Elnora Mcintyre, Roberta
Dabney, Portia Whitfield, Gladys Tins
ey, Alberta EpPs, Dorothy Gillian,
Ethel Jones and Mamie Meal as at
endants; and William Creme and 7.
Hoffman as legionaries. The players
'ossess remarkable gifted and YER
atile artist in Ottie Graham, who be-
ides her exceptional acting gave a
thrilling Interpretation of Nathaniel
Oett's "Juba Dance" with Mr.. Dett
It the piano. The University GIee
Tub under the direction of Professor
Roy w. Tibbs, rendered an effective
musical program, shown = evolu-
ion of Negro music from the pure
type such as Ron, Jordan,
Soll, Swing Low, and Steal Away, to
he compositions of our latest CON-
Osers, Harry T. Burleigh, Nathaniel
)ett, Montague Ring and Coieridge-
'aylor. The singing of the quartette
nd the solo work Of R. A. Thorntosa
ron pronounced applause from the
udienoe. The rendition of Beethoven's
Adagio by the Associated Musicians
allied forth the special praise of the
Washington Star.
University Chapel Converted INTO {
Little Theatre"
The University Chapel had been ar I
stieally converted into. Little Thea
e with a perfectly appointed stage.
he charming procenium and the :
eautiful scenery were the work of the
ayers themselves under the personal
reetion Of Thomas ]. Hopkins The
ny effective costumes were designed 4