"THE MIRACLE."

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1392, 19 March 1912, Page 5

"THE MIRACLE."

,— i LAST PERFORMANCE OF TITE SPECTACLE. Hy Telesraph-rros-s Association-Copyright London, March 17. During its run upwards of half n million people visited Professor Max lieinliardt's spectacular play "Tho Miracle" nt Oly.npia. The closing performance took place last night. FIGHTAT OLYMPIA. BETWEEN "SCt'ERS" AXD FANATICS. Four thousand Protestant clergymen who were attending a special performance of "The Miracle" recently wero provided with an tin rehearsed ■.sensation. Some demonstration by the Kensitites had been expected, l and about 2 o'clock about 20 men nrrived outside the building, having in front of them a largo banner: "Down with Popery!" When these men arrived in procession outside the building they wero met by tlio attendants, who ordered them away.

Overawed by this demonstration, the Kensitites retired to the cud of the road leading to Olympia. The attendants and other employees then ambushed themselves, and after a few minutes the Kcnsitito forces were again drawn up, and proceeded to march to the entrance of the building. Word was passed inside to the supernumeraries in the performance and attendants, and they quickly gathered at the doors. As (he ivensitites arrived tonic twenty men at once rushed out of the building and proceeded to attack them. Fighting followed, and presently the Olympian people and the Konsitites were in violent collision. The banners iiiul bills were torn and Hung in shreds in the road. After a few minutes of intense excitement, the Kensitites began to beat a retreat, which rapidly developed into a rout. The men from Olympia chased them into the High Road, and there the Kensititc forces were dispersed, some of them having been rather badly treated. A prominent partisan in the crowd overtook one of the objectors, and with several others pinned him against a wall and severely maltreated him. Meantime the police had been summoned, and when tho officers of the law arrived on the scene they found that the crowd had dispersed, leaving behind Hie unfortunate victim of (heir fury lying on the ground with his head cut, his clothes torn, and his face and body cut and bruised.

A few days later the Clerical Advisory Committee met at Olympia to consider u lar«e number of letters sent in by reverend gentlemen who attended tho special matinee of "The Miracle." The lt«v. Kverard Uigby, St. Paul's, Covent Gardens! presided. Some correspondents held that, tho bedroom scene, with its mock bridal service, was a medieval touch decorously dealt with; but in view of tho criticisms the committee recommended that the management and Professor Reinhardt should oinit this episode, modify it, or blend in with the throne scene which follows. The committee refus-d to recommend that the Crucifix should be left out of the procession through the cathedral Tho committee, however, recommended

that, if possible, tho dream of the Nun should be emphasised, that she should fall asleep at the foot of the altar when the Abbess leaves hor aline in the cathedral, and that she should reawake wheu she is discovered in the last act after the restoration of the miraculous statue.

Perhaps the most remarkable thing about "Tho Miracle," apart from the wonderful stage effects (says "Tho Tatlor"), is the exquisite performance of Signora Maria Carmi as the Madonna. Her won derful beauty—the true Botticelli type— her exquisite hands, her grace, and tho extraordinary distinction of her gestures, are among the most amazing things in an amazing production. For, nearly half an hour Signora Carmi sits without moving a muscle. Then when the nun has fled from tho convent and the Madonna takei her place while she is absent tho grace and beauty of her movements remain in the memory long after the effect of the pascant itself has passed away. At tin end, when sho once more returns into a statue, her gestures are admirably thought out. Only thoso who know how difficult this is will appreciate Signora Carmi's wonderful art. So arduous is her role, however, that during the interval when she is not performing, the Italian actress must bo skilfully massaged in order lo bo able to continue her part. It has leaked out that Maria Carmi is the wife of Karl Volnioeller, the author of "The Miracle." The actress is an A London paper published tho following on January 20:—Upwards of £3500 in two performances! That was the record .at Olympia last Saturday when money was turned away, afternoon an 1 evening, from all but tho hnlf-guinra seats, which were about three-parts full at each performance. "The Miracle" is now an assured financial success. ■ Twice daily huge audiences watch the wondrous spectacle. If there are some empty places one must bear in mind flint "house full' at Olympia means the rapacity of Drury Lane, Covent Garden, the Coliseum, and two or thrco smaller theatres combined.