New-York tribune., 1921-03-07
Cnpin Dimes
In Triumph at
Drama League
Negro Actor, at Honor Place
in Annual Banquet, Is
Center of Interest and
Is Wildly Applauded
Three Stars Not Present
All but Belasco, Stone and
O'Neill, However, of Ten
Stage Notables Attend

Qua &c lNOtableS Attend
Charles S. Gilpin, negro star of "Thc
Emperor JONES'" attended the annual
dinner of the Drama League in the
Grand Ballroom of the Hotel McAlpin
last night. He was cordially received
by the six other guests of honor and
acclaimed by the 600 guests who at
tended by subscription and many
others who were unable to secure
tables in either the Grand Ballroom or
an adjoining ballroom. which was
finally thrown open to accommodate
them
Unforeseen circumstances prevented
the attendance Of three of the ten
guests of honor chosen by vote of
the directors of the Drama League for
their contributions to the American
theater in the last year Those who
attended were: Charles s. Gipin, Sc
lected for his work in "The Emperor
Jones'; Dudley Digges, for his work in
"Heartbreak House; Gilda Varcs, for
her work in Enter Madame; Lionel
Atwill for his work in "Deburau";
"Deburau"; Margaret Severn, for her
use Of masks in dancing, and Ben Ami
for his work in "Samson and Delilah !"
Owing to illness David Belasco, the
director, and Fred Stone, who was
voted the greatest humorous actor on
the American stage, were unable to at
tend. Eugene O'Neill, author of "The
Emperor Jones'" who also was invited,
was out of town.
Gilpin was seated at table near the
center Of the room Gilda Varesi was
at his left, and the place on his right
was occupied by Mrs. Rollin Kirby, di
rector Of the Drama League. The other
places at the table were taken by Miss
Elsie Mackaye, Mrs. John w. Baruch
and Mrs. Vernon Radcliffe, all members
of the Drama League.
Irish Give Way to Dinner
Because Of the unexpectedly large
number who attended the dinner the
hotel management was forced to make
emergency arrangements. The hall ad-
joining the grand ballroom had been
given over to n meeting of the Brothers
of the Irish Revolution. Word was
conveyed to them that a favor would
be conferred if they postponed or ad-
journed their meeting to another ROOM
so that the two adjoining halls might
be thrown open.
The Brothers of the Irish Revolution
granted the favor gladly. When the
doors were opened for their exit there
was an unavoidable collision between
the Drama League guests, who were
ovcrfowing the lower halls of the
hotel. and the departing Irish sympa-
thizers.
In the struggle to secure and deposit
wraps at the same cloakroom one
woman tainted. dresses were torn and
many waistcoats and much linen were
soilcd.
The cynosure of attraction in the
grand ballroom was small simply
decorated table in the center, at which
Charles S. Gilpin was seated From
the interest cvinced in this table from
the beginning of the dinner until it's
conclusion and from the applause and
attention which Gilpins address re-
reived it was plain that the star of
emperor Jones" was also the star of
the annual banquet of stars.
Kenneth MCGOWAN, dramatic critic
and a director of the league, acted as
toastmaster. When he rose to intro
the room. After reviewing Gilpin' S
work briefly Mr., McGowan turned to
Mr.. Gilpin and said simply, II take
pleasure in introducing the greatest
actor of his race, Mr.. Charles S. Gill
pin"
Ovation for Gilpin
"A thunder of handclapping greeted
this introduction The applause lasted
three minutes.
When it had completely died out Mr..
Gilpin rose, a bit nervously. Several
moments passed after he gained his
feet before he began to speak. A slight
nervousness, apparent at first, soon
wore away.
This is one time" he said, "when |
am hardly able to go through with a
monologue, and they say | do one
pretty we'll. There is a fancy among
the Orientals, you know the actor
continued, "that the dead must cross a
bridge of red hot iron, and that is the
way feel In facing an audience Of
this kind l am as nervous as girl"
Mr.. Gilpin was profuse in expressing
his gratefuness to the Drama League
and to the public for its recognition of
his efforts and for its treatment of him
as an artist.
"An artist, I always thought he ex-
planned, was something a long, long
way off. I never expected to reach that
height, but you have called me that l
am so glad if | have given you an eve
ming of pleasure and | am happy to be
among you and have you know my work.
A closeup of CHARLES Gilpin does not
look very inviting"
This was followed by ripple of dis
Greet laughter.
"In the future" he concluded, 81
shall try to make my work stand out
as prominently, if that is within my
power
The applause at the conclusion Of