The Washington times., 1921-03-29
CHARLES ClPN SCORES
IN THE EMPEROR JONES"
Famous CoIored' Actor Assisted
BY Howard PLAYERS.

"The Emperor Jones'" the dramatic
production that has virtually taken
New York by storm. with Charles
Gilpin, the colored actor who erected
the role. in the chief part was given
by the Howard Players of Howard
University at a special performance
at the Shubert-Belasco Theater yes
terday morning. Washington was.
therefore, enabled to get q dret
glimpse of this remarkable drama and
OF Gilpin, who, as q result OF his work
In the vehicle, has just been chosen
by vote of the Drama League a. one
OF the first ten actors who havoecon-
tributed important delineatfons to The
stage during the year.
The play is novel in many ways.
First. because its action takes place
entirely in Africa. and. with the ex-
ception of the opening scene, in the
heart of the Jungle in tho dead of
night; second, because the entire cast,
with the single exception OF Jasper
Deeter, Is composed of members of the
colored race, and, third, because q
interprets in a manner never done be-
fore, the psychology OF fear and the
failure OF civilization and q measure
OF education to .entirely eliminate fts
presence.
Gilpin is seen as Emperor Jones.
ruler of a small tribe on the African
coast. An American by birth, he has
been a Pullman porter. until he kills
fellow-porter in q dice game. In
prison, he is a member Of changing
and Kills his white guard and escapes
to Africa, where. by working on the
superstition of the natives. he sets
himself up as ruler.
Realizing that the period OF his
| rule is necessarily short he Erinds
down his subjects to the limit in tax
alton. planning to make his escape at
the frst indication of danger. In or
der to prevent assassination, he leads
the natives to believe he is invulner-
able against all bullets. save those
made OF silver. and carries in his own
revolver bullet of that metal which
he proposes to use on himself In event
escape is impossible.
Before he realizes 1t, the natives
plan a revolt and he learns Of II
through an English trader and makes
his way to the jungle through which
he must go to reach the coast In the
dead of night, hungry and thirsty, he
loses his way and Is soon brought to
the verge of terror rs a result Of the
Unborn traits of superstition "Hants"
beset him on every side and finally he
shoots himself. just as the pursuing
natives arrive, their guns loaded with
silver bullets.
Throughout the entire action. the
weird beating OF distant tom-ton,s
give an eerie motif to the play. The
scenes in the forest, the queer shapes
that beset his path, all contribute to
the remarkable atmosphere.
Gilpin gives unQuestionable evi-
dence OF his dramatic qualities, par
ticularly as they concern this vehicle.
The fact that he is at all times per-
fectly natural. true to his role in its
every phase, is the outstanding fea-
ture of his work. Jasper Deeter, also
a member of the New York cast, and
the only white player, gives a most
capable Interpretation of the role Of
the unscrupulous trader.
With the exception Of the latter's
role, the play is almost q monoloeua.
none OF the supporting players hav-
| ing more than a word or so. The
support was made up from members
OF the Howard Players. and their
| work, while not arduous, was Ger
| tainly adequate.
Considerably appreciation is due
| the Howard Players. not only in stag
ing the play to the smallest detail,
including the manufacture OF par
ticularly artistic settings. but like
wise for their enterprise in bringing
Gilpin here. Immediately after the
performance. the latter returned to
New York for the night performance.
The play will again be presented at
the Shubert- -Belasco next Friday
afternoon. with Aston BurIeigh and
George Williams of the Howard play.
ers substituting in the roles Of
Deeter and Gilpin, respectively.