The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-01-09

Strindberg's The Dance of Death" and then St John Ervine's "Jane Clegg.' The performance of the last was con ceded by all of the critics to be as near perfection as could be imagined
 l have been reading Jane Clegg" this week, almost perfect example of the domestic drama, not wasted speech in the three acts or a single forced scene. It's success riValled that of "John Fergurson," and with -his play, the guilds second season closed. This year, David Pinskfs comedy, i "rhe Treasure" was given as an open ing play. Pinski is a Yiddissh writer of New Works east side-comparative- 1y little known until the Theatre Guild produced his play. He, it seems. has devoted all his life to. the advancement of his race. was educated for a raobi. but preferred play writing which he studied at Columbia college.
 The Treasure" appealed to only a few.
 The next was Shaws "Heartbreak House." rated as the Guilds most cred- litable achievement. Recently Miss Theresa Hilburn, executive director of the organization, gave out through the Times an interesting account of the Guilds Shavian experiences in connec~ tion with their presentation of his play. Said she: "Of course, We knew MT. Shaw to be an autocratic author, but we felt his plays were worth the lencountering of Shavian obstacles. "The first difficulty had to do with the date of production. We had .n> tended opening the season with Heart l break House, but in July Shaw cabled 1 us that he did not want the play to open until after the election We ca- i bled him all our arguments in favor f an early opening, particularly the fact 1 that by waiting we might lose some of | the excellent cast we had already se- cured for the play. Shaw's response was characteristic. Tt would be far better to produce "Heartbreak House. with the first cast you could pick out of the gutter on November 15 than to produce it on October Is with Sarah Bernhardt, the two Guitrys, Edwin Drew. Maude Adams, Charlie Cha plin and Mary Pickford.' We feel now that Ihe was quite right about the date of the opening, although instead of pick ing our cast out of the gutter, we ave done our best to equal the lineup sug- gested by him."
 It is well known that Mir. Shaw re- fused to have his Hay produced in New York by commercial managers.
 Said he: "I know my business and the New York managers know their business, but it is not the same busi- ness"
 It was St. John Ervine that per- suaded him to let the New York Thea tre guild produce 'Heartbreak House" assuring him that it would be put on faithfully as to text and with all atmosphere subtly preserved. It seems MT. Shaw has never forgiven William Faversham and Grace George for cut ting the lines in Major Barbara" and "Misalliance,' claiming their Sur gery'' wrecked these plays. Miss Hell burn says events have proved MT. Shaw right-both as an artist and a business man, for "Heartbreak House" has an integrity that any alteration would impair.
 The response of the public has been enthusiastic beyond the fondest dreams of the guild officials. At ev- cry performance of this play keen, hilarious audiences continue in crowds that rival Gin numbers) those that at- tend any of MT Zeigfelds shows for the midnight brothers" and their friendsl
 "Heartbreak House" has been and is still-such monstrous success. the guild is wondering what to do with it. to make room for their next venture Wnlch IS due soon. In fdct- they are considering leasing anoher theatre eff happily one may be procured). and continuing this "tonic" comedy in- definitely-at the same time putting on their next which is to be MT. Pim Passes By" the London high comedy success of the past two seasons, by A. A. Milne.
 After this, there will be given two plays by American authors, but these not be overestimated.
 You can see the theatre guild is proving to be a tremendous force, the benefit of whose efforts, in behalf of the drama on the American stage can not be ovesest timated.
 An interesting play will open in New York this month, when William Archer's "The Green Goddess" which Winthrop Ames will produce, with the distinguished Englishman, George Arliss. in the leadingl role, will be of- fered
 MT. and Mrs. Coburn are following novel plan in the revival of their fa- nous play, Yellow Jacket" They have inaugurated giving this play at series of matinees only, these occur ring on Tuesdays and Fridays, which are not regular matinee days.
 The playhouse shortage is responsi : ble for this inovation, which it seems fo ma is yarv crood idea ttTba Val