SERVIAN WAR FEVER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 35, 6 March 1909, Page 4

SERVIAN WAR FEVER.

i A remarkable play was put on the boards of the Notional Theatre last : night by Servia's second loading dramaI tist (wrote tlie London Standard's Beli grade correspondent, on 20th December). ■ 'i'lie first—it is well known—is (lie ■ Prince of Montenegro, whose, patriotic sentiments and' poetic facility are hap-, pily blended. Xusies, his emulator, took for his subject the exploits of the Bosnian hero. Haji Loya, who resisted the Austrian occupation of his native province and fell shouting, '"Drive them out!'' Tlie simulated combats between the Imperial troops and tile insurgents were so realistic last night that twice real blood flowed on the stage. As itwas impossible to find anion" the supernumeraries any willing to don the Austrian uniform, gypsies bad to lie called in to fill the, ranks. Their role was pitiful, for they were unmercifully pelted by the audience, and as the plav proceeded and passions waxed stronger they barely showed themselves, and fled. Volleys of shots are characteristic of all Servian national piece s , but the tiring last flight was so continuous that the singe became obscured altogether, and the atmosphere of the hall grew thick with smoke. Some ladies who were overcome attempted to leave their seals, but refrained bejore jeers from the gallery, ".Vice Red Cross Sisters!" "Much good you'll be to us on the battlefield!'' "Who wants to nurse in time of war must learn to stand the smell of powder." After tlie. last act the customary wreath .prepared for the author was waved aside, and he accepted instead, froni ai group r,i the audience, a. new ; quick-tiring l'ille. It was with this appropriate offering slung over his shoulder that he bowed his thanks. j