The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1922-08-12
UNUSUAL POWER
GIVEN To GEAR
AUGUSTUS THOMAS
Work viii Be More in Nature
of Advisory Than as
Censor.
DECISION WILL BE FINAL
Managers and Actors Prepare
for Fight over Forming
of New Agency.
By DIXIE HINES


real managers Of Importance have
delegated unusual powers to Augustus
Thomas. eminent playwright Of the
American stage. in the move that
was begun some time since to con-
serve the decency of the stage In this
country. A few managers, less con-
servstive than the majority, had Sc
riously impaired the popularity of the
local theater by the production OF
indecent plays. The other managers,
suffering from the influence OF this
small set. decided to appoint their
own censor and thus obviate the need
OF the appointment of a censor from
outside.
The appointment OF Mr. Thomas is
along these lines, although he has not
been given censorship powers. He
has been entrusted with advisory
powers, however. and his decision
shall be final IN the event of an in
ternal disagreement. Thus the stage
follows along the same lines as base
ball and the motion pictures by CEN
tranzation judicial powers within one
man who can command the respect Of
the entire trade and profession.
Concurrent with the announcement
that Mr.. Thomas has been appointed
comes the story that the managers
will first seek to reduce salaries OF
stars. Eventually 1t is predicted that
the managers. contemplating another
fight with the equity when the present
agreement expires by limitation, will
-
house or employment agency, and ac-
tors and actresses who may be de-
sired for certain parts will be engaged
through this agency at salary not
exceeding the figure agreed upon in
advance by the managers.
II A wishes TO engage Jones for a
part he makes this application, and
until A releases his request no other
manager may negotiate with Jones.
Jones is engaged. If at all. on terms
and conditions agreed upon and pro-
mulgated by the exchange" Thus
do we have the actors and the man
ayers once more IN a fight. and this
time a clear cut one from which there
can be no deviation on either side
Unhappily the managers insist they
are forced to this step by the action
OF the Equity In imposing the CLOSED
shop" on all producers not members
Of the big producing managers asso-
citation.
New York Is dead"
Theatrically speaking, New York is
dead this week. It is true that Michio
Itow has restored to Broadway the
PIN Wheel ReveI," which is a most
interesting, entertaining and original
revel Of dance, pantomirne and song.
but Mr. TOW alone has given US some
thing new for the week. In the new
vers;on-"The Pin Wheel" was seen
earlier in the season with Raymond
Hitchcock among the group-there are
many OF the best features OF the for
mer edition together with some highly
amusing and artistic travesties, a
young singer. Hazel Archibald. who
sings ingratiatingly. and the same
delectable Margaret Petit in her
Masked Bacchante" and ballet school
dance, together with the colorful
Felicia Sorel and Sonia Gluck in
'Nymph and Faun" one Of the sensa-
tional dances of the season, and Rosa
lind Fuller. singer. who. happily, has
some new groups as we'll as her ex-
quisite song-pantomime. Two Sis.
ters." Anita Eneters, one Of the most
interesting Of the new school OF native
dancers. has some new numbers. AL.
together II is an event that is quite as
interesting as it is artistic, and judged
by the latter. it is the most artistic
revel New York has seen in a decode
The Equity Players. an organization
backed by the Players Association will
open a permanent season of plays al
the Forty-Eighth Street Theater early
in October. On the same street, and
only few doors distant, is the Bel
mont Theater. and this playhouse. too
will be devoted to the work of a per.
nanent company under the executive
direction Of Richard G. Herndon. The
first play of the repertoire has already
been tested and the reports from the
outlying districts indicate that II is in
every way acceptable for the fastidi.
Gus taste Of the metropolitan district
Another contender in this field next
year will be Emanuel Reicher, the
noted German actor and director, who
sailed last week for Germany. On his
return In the fall he Will install a rep.
ertory company. acting many OF the
leading roles himself. As a veteran Of
more than sixty years on the stage he
brings a ripe and valuable experiences
to his task Among the plays he IS Ia
act will be King Lear" his first
Shaksspearean play in this country.
Shakespeare Is not to be neglected
by any means here. James D. Barton,
an international manager and director
Of tours, is now in Japan and is ar.
ranging TO take 20 the Orisnt q com.
pany Of Ehakespearenn play players
for an extended tour.
"Kempy." the play which cams to
New York quietly and created the
most impressive reception OF the sea.
son, is celebrating its centennial this
week, the first. according 70 the man
ager. OF many that will be celebrated
in the future. At any rate It Is filing
the playhouse TO the utmost capacity,
and has done 80 since It began its