The New York Clipper (December 1916)

December 20, 1916 THE NEW YORK CLIPPER 59 (Continued from page 57.) to form the classical repertory, so to speak, of the Chinese theatre. Of thus one of the moat famous is entitled "The Orphan of the House of Chao," a thrilling drama based on historical fact, in which cruelty and craft are met by fidelity and ■elf-sacrifice, with poetic justice in the end. When the Mongol line was replaced by the native Chinese dynasty known as the Ming, the great outburst of dramatic activity had already begun to wane, and the succeeding period was comparatively poor in works of outstanding literary merit. A brilliant exception is "The Story of the Guitar," a play of moral depth and beauty but somewhat exaggerated pathos, which was performed for the first time in 1404. Modern Chinese plays still follow, in ex- ternal construction at any rate, the model of the dramas produced under the Mon- gols. They are usually divided into four acts, with or without a prologue, and are accompanied throughout by an orchestra consisting of gongs, drums and cymbals, besides string and wind instruments. The words are delivered in a high pitched rec- itative, varied by bouts of chanting in passages where special stress is required for the heightening of emotion or the ut- terance of moral reflections. There is, as a rule, one particular character who breaks at intervals into song and fulfils in some degree the function of a chorus. Few Chinese plays last much over an hour, the average length being about forty-five minutes, part of which may be taken up with "gag." It should be remembered, however, that the acting version is con- siderably shorter than the printed work as it would appear in a book. It is the rule for a number of plays to be performed continuously. A clash of cymbals an- nounces the conclusion of each, but there is no other interval. This accounts for the widespread notion that Chinese plays are ridiculously long, the contrary being nearer to the truth. There is no sharp distinction such as we are accustomed to draw between comedies and tragedies, the latter genus, in the strict sense of the word, hardly existing at all. Flays are roughly classified as civil and military. Military plays are chiefly based on episodes drawn from the inexhaustible mine of Chinese history, and deal with the heroism or villainy of emperors, celebrated generals and other famous historical per- sonages. A great deal of fighting takes place on the stage, accompanied by all manner of gymnastic and acrobatic feats. Civil plays comprise all the events of every-day life, and range from domestic drama and the comedy of manners and intrigue to farces and burlesques of the noisest, and frequently of the most ob- scene, description. Falling somewhat out- side these two main classes are the quasi religious plays dealing with exhibitions of Taoist magic, or the very popular variety of comedy in which priests, both Buddhist and Taoist, are held up to ridicule. {Continued on page 61.) Theatres Wanted Theatres Wanted Theatres Wanted We have made a big success of the Grand Opera House, Brooklyn, N. Y. and can do the same with other Theatres. What have you to offer? We are open to negotiate for the lease of Theatres in and around New York. Answer quick. C. W. DANIELS AMUSEMENT COMPANY, Inc. Grand Opera House BROOKLYN, N. Y. . F. B.F. KAHN'S Union Square FRANK ABBOTT, Manager LEO STEVENS BRAD SUTTON JAMES X. FRANCIS GEO. WALSH NORMA BROWN MAY LEAVETT BESSIE ROSA and 18 PRETTY GIRLS B. F. KAHN New York Office: B. F. KAHN'S THEATRE (Formerly Daly's) B.F. KAHN'S THEATRE (Formerly Daly's) J. CAHN, Mu>|ir FRANK MACKEY HARRY G. STEWART JAMES CROSBY SAM RAYNOR AL. MARKS DOLLY BERNARD BETTINA SHELDON "CAPRICE" and 18 PRETTY GIRLS FAMILY BURLESQUE CIRCUIT Friendship Is the World's Greatest Gift JACK REID AND HIS FAMOUS RECORD BREAKERS Give the Grip of Friendship To All CHRISTMAS GREETINGS Arthur FIELDS a M Dave (Bud) BERN IE IN ;vi