(_From the "Independent," May 30, 1912._)
The scene of Mr. Edward Doyle's new play is the Florence of 1400;
the atmosphere that of a plague stricken city in a time when man was
helpless, authorities hopeless, social life in shreds and patches. The
plot of the play founded on this state of affairs is rich in incident,
varied and sufficiently complex in color, passion and character to
furnish material for an exciting spectacular representation. The
tragic element is strong, but supported and shaded by the company of
roysterers, a jester, whose foolery is a compound of bluff of that
period and bluff of modern politics and athletics. The jester, the black
company and the penitents, together with the roysterers, form now the
foreground, now the background, of action, which in itself is never
without the dolorous sound of the death bell. The doomed city is under
a spell comparable to that set forth so vividly in Manzoni's "I Promessi
Sposi." Says the villain of the plot as he listens from his seat at the
festive board:
"It bodes ill for the black Cowled company
To make a visit to a festive house.
'Tis like death looking in and whispering 'Next.'
Fool, call the servants. Bid them fetch the wine--
A cask of it--the best varnaccio!
Here come my friends to help me drown the Plague."
Pictures like this as sharply defined are frequent and throw in shadowed
blackening on shadow. The author defends the use of a meteorological
phenomenon translated in the spirit of the time as supernatural by
quoting Dante as recognizing it, but the authority of Dante was not
necessary to justify the dramatist in introducing the "Crimson Cross."
It was a part of the pyrotechnics of the church propaganda. Though the
advance of scientific discovery has laid a heavy hand on thaumaturgy
of the sort, it would no doubt, have its use when properly handled
on a modern stage. The action of the drama is rapid and natural, the
characters well drawn and individualized, the dialogue spicy, forceful
and varied.
Price $1.00.
[Illustration]
[Illustration]