§ 23

It has been previously intimated that the Drama takes a prominent place in the intellectual and emotional substance of the people’s training, plus its delights. An open air theatre was proposed, but the conclusion arrived at was that the climate (although much bettered by the death of the smoke fiend) is too unstable to ensure success.

The chief theatre of the city is large, capable of holding a thousand people. It is not conducted on private enterprise, but by a council of the best local minds, which, while occupied in supplying the best, are wise enough not to dismiss pleasurable and light comedies so long as they are “clean.” Declamation, the first essential of the actor’s craft, is taught in every school. Dancing, which we have seen to be part of a liberal education, provides an elasticity of deportment and freedom of manner but not undisciplined, which goes far towards the creation of a good player. The plays of Shakespeare are prominent, but to their list are added many of the fine Elizabethan plays, Marlow’s and others. Modern drama, so long as it is wholesome, is readily admitted, while the old and so entirely English Pantomime and Extravaganza of other days have been revived, and very jolly they are and entirely in place at certain merrymaking seasons of the year. There is no priggishness in the management, only care is taken that no play is produced which is undesirable for the young to witness.