REALISM IN EXCELSIS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 1970, 4 January 1907, Page 1

REALISM IN EXCELSIS.

Remarkildo scones took place at the production of a drama entitled “Chevalier Bluebeard,” by J.lerr Herbert Eulenbcrg, at tho Lessing 'theatre hero last night (says tlia Renin correspondent of die Daily Express.”) The play surpasses anything that lias hitherto been presented to the theatre-going public in tlie way of downright sordid and horrible realism. In tho first act tile horrified audience saw on the stage a crypt in which lay tho heads of five wives already murdered by Bluebeard. Tlie second act represented a wedding banquet on tlie stage, which is suddenly disturbed by tlie only soil of Bluebeard, who drinks until lie falls into delirium tremens, and then runs amok, demolishing everything within Jiis reach. Suddenly, after a most disgusting exhibition oi drunken delirium, lie falls on his knees and says the Lord’s Prayer. 'The third act reveals Bluebeard murdering his sixth wife. During the fourth act t.lio burial of tlie sixth wile takes place on the stage There is a coffin with weeping relatives, and after the funeral service the c'.lU.i is lowered into the grave by ropes, thplanks are removed, and earth is tin-own oil tlio coffin. Tho son, still in delirium tremens, hangs himself on a tree on the stage in full view of the audience, and soon afterwards tlie dead wife’s sister drowns herself in despair. Tlie fifth act shows Bluebeard attempting to murder bis seventh and last wife. She escapes from him, springs into the flames of his burning castle, and perishes, likewise in full view of tlie audience. Her father and brother thereupon appear and kill Bluebeard without more ado. The audience began to boot, shout, and hiss in the third, act, and general indignation rose by degrees until a perfect storm broke out in the last act. The spectators shouted --This is disgusting!” “This is a scandal!” “This is profane!” “Stop it!” Loud hoots and hisses at times made the actors almost inaudible, and many persons rose in their places and shook their fists at the actors and actresses —gesticulating wildly with righteous indignation. Most critics condemn 1 lie play, but a few praise if us revealing wonderful talent.