Queer Customs.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 3 October 1911, Page 4

Queer Customs.

liN CHINESE THEATRES

Mms. Chung, leading lady of tlie Unnese company now playing j n London, speaking of the customs in CJuna s theatres, said:— In China, you must remember, the theatre has 'remained just the same ror the last thousand years. Actors -are regarded! as outcasts, just as tney were in England 200 years ago. Ihe}' are the lowest class of society, the}' live entirely in the theatres where they play, and they bavo their food Scrvan ' ts ' "' llo Prepare fcherr

It is ian unheard of tiling for a woman to act with men. There are companies of actors and companies of actiesses. In the men's theatres rem ale parts are played by boys or young men It created a great sensation m China w'-lven I announced my intention of coming to Europe to play with moil. . The same state of affairs existed in J a,pan until Jlme. Sada Yacco came to Europe. "When die returned to -Japanslhe received permission to appear with roe,u, and now in Japan they are able to translate all the .European plays and act them. bopc that when 1 return the Emperor of China will grant me a similar privilege. Our plays are very long. They may lasit three or four days. People co . l , l } e go and bring their meals with them. There are no seats. IJie audience sits on mats upon the lloor. Distinguished persons are grven places on the stage. . And there is. no scenery; only embroidered hangings Everything is done when speaking. For instance, you will See.an aettor march right up 'the stage. On bis loft will be seated several rows of the audience. He wishes to knock iat a door. Tliere is no door between Biim and these people, but be- will talk -at great length, explaining that there is a f+ >0 is behind it and that such-and-such a' thing will happen vj/hen ho knocks on it? ond at last he will knock in the air two or three times, and the auddoor V kno - okill S at a