One Female and One Male Figure.
This very fine tableau is taken from the beautiful lines written by
Leigh Hunt. The tableau is represented in two scenes. In the first
scene, Ben Adhem is seen reclining on his couch, gazing with wonder
and surprise on the angel, who is standing in the centre of the room,
engaged in writing in the book of gold. In the second scene, the angel
stands at the foot of the couch, and holds the book towards Ben Adhem
for him to read the names written therein. The couch can be formed by
placing a small mattress on a few low boxes, and covering the whole
with bed clothes, on the outside of which should be a white quilt. It
must be placed in the foreground, at the right of the stage. Place a
plaster pedestal near the side of the couch, on the top of which stand
a lighted lamp. At the background of the picture fasten a set of
crimson damask curtains; drape them at each side of the stage, and
beneath them place a plaster pedestal, with a piece of statuary on the
top.
The lady who personates the angel should be of good form and features,
of medium height, and costumed in a white dress, over which is worn a
loose white tarleton muslin robe, with large flowing sleeves; this
must be cut quite low at the top, and made to trail on the floor; hair
done up snugly, and encircled with a band of silver, one fourth of an
inch wide; large wings, formed of wire, and covered with gauze, and
ornamented with silver spangles, should be fastened to the back of the
waist. The face and other exposed parts of the body should be whitened
with flesh powder. Position in the first scene is, standing in the
centre of the room, facing the audience. The book of gold can be
imitated by placing sheets of gold paper on the cover and in the
inside of a large book. Let it rest on the left arm, and be held at
the top by the left hand. The right hand holds a long quill pen, the
point of which rests on the pages of the book. Let the body and head
incline forward slightly; the eyes directed to the book; the
expression of the face tranquil. Ben Adhem's position in the first
scene is, reclining on the couch, with the quilt thrown over the lower
portion of his body; his left hand resting on the bed, from which he
has partially risen; the right raised in front of the chest, the
fingers spread out; the face turned towards the angel, the expression
of the face denoting surprise and wonder. Costume consists of white
pants and shirt, white lace collar and wristbands, and a velvet cloak
thrown carelessly over the right shoulder. In the second scene, the
angel stands at the foot of the couch, holding the book in the left
hand, and pointing to its pages with the right. Her eyes are fixed on
Ben Adhem's face, while the countenance is lighted up with smiles. Ben
Adhem leans forward, slightly resting his arm on a cushion at his
side, and looks with pleasure on the pages of the book. A number of
names should be written in the book, and at the top, in large letters,
place the name of Abou Ben Adhem. While the tableau is performed, the
poem may be read by the announcer. The light for the first scene
should be quite dim, and come from the side of the stage opposite
Abou. In the second scene, a colored fire must be burned, so as to
throw a strong light on the form of the angel. Music in the first
scene very soft, and increasing in power in the second.