Jasper County Democrat, Volume 12, Number 17, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 June 1909 — RICHELIEU, THE COMMENCEMENT DRAMA. [ARTICLE]

RICHELIEU, THE COMMENCEMENT DRAMA.

A rare treat is in store for all lovers of dramatic art at St. Joseph’s on commencement eve. The great drama that will be presented is Richelieu, or the Conspiracy” by Sir E. Lytton Bulwer, as adapted for performance by male characters by C. J. Birbeck. The historical character and the plot of the original play remains entirely intact. The changes that have been made in the text were such only as were required in the transformation of the feminine roles. All lines that might in any way be offensive have also been carefully eliminated. In the adapted form the Play is admirably suited to provide an entertaining and Instructive evening. A few words from the author s preface will be sufficiently explanatory of this deeply interesting subject, the and' the times when France practically swayed the destinies of the nations. "The administration of the Cardinal Richelleeu, whom history justly considers the true architect of the French monarchy, and the great parent of French civilisation, is characterised by features alike tragic

and comic. A weak king-—an ambitious favorite; a despicable conspiracy against the minister, nearly always associated with a dangerous treason against the State—these, with little variety of names and dates, constitute the eventful cycle through which, with a dazzling case, and an arrogant confidence, the luminary fulfilled its destinies. ‘ 'T\ has been fairly remarked, by the impartial historians, that he was no less generous to merit than severe to crime—that, in the various departments of the State, the Army, and the Church, he selected and distinguished the albest aspirants—that the wars which he conducted were, for the most part, essential to the preservation of France, and Europe itself, from the formidable encroachments of the Austrian House—that, in spite of those wars, the people were not oppressed with exorbitant imposts and that he left the kingdom he had governed in a more flourishing and vigorous state than at any former period of French history, or at the decease of Louis XIV. “The cabals formed against this great statesman were not carried on by the patriotism of public virtue, or the emulation of equal talent: They were but court struggles, in which the most worthless agents had recourse to the most desperate means. In each we see combined the twofold attempt to murder the minister and betray the country. Such, then, are the agents, and such the designs with which truth, in the Drama as in history, requires us to contrast the celebrated Cardinal—not disguising his foibles or his vices, but not unjust to the grander qualities (especially the love of country), by which they were often dignified, and, at times, redeemed.” The cast of characters selected for the presentation of this historical study speaks assurance for its successful rendition. The Cardinal’s energetic words to the youthful Francois are their guiding stars: “In the lexicon of youth, which Fate reserves for a bright manhood, there is no such word as Fail!” CAST OF CHARACTERS. Louis XIII, King of France L. Faurot. Gaston, Duke of Orleans, Brother to the King .O. Peters. Count de Baradas, the King’s Favorite W. Franze. Cardinal Richelieu, Minister of France .Geo. Pax. The Chevalier de Mauprat.H. Gabel. Roland de Mortmier, Ward to Riche^ m . lle “ -•••••• L. Dufrane. The Sieur de Beringhen, a Consplra-. tor Carmody. Clermont, a Courtier c. Staib. Joseph, a Capuchin Monk, (Richelieu’s Confidant) j. Bennet. Francois, a page to Richelieu. . H Kipskind. . ’ Huguet, a Spy. ........ .r. Kuntz. De Lorme, a Spy . . .W. Eppley. First, Second and Third Secretaries of State—S. Hiss, M. Pauley and P. Froning. Captain of Archers. :. .A. Besinger. Pages to Richelieu. .F. Marcotte, A Kihm. Pages to King. .R. Fitzgibbons, M. Kozacik. Guards to Richelieu.... L. Fiely, F. Schwartz, L. Virpuilat. Guards to King. . . .a. Besinger, W Sullivan, J. Moeder. Courtiers. .. .A. Kelley, R. Williams, A. Copenlle. The Collegian does not in the least exagerate in making the, following remark: “Sir Edward Bul-wer-Lytton certainly deserves the thanks of all aspiring actors, those of the college world in particular, for giving them a drama on which they may exercise their dramatic abilities with good effect. Few plays are so adapted for presentation on a college stage, and we are sure that our presentation will be, to say the least, a strong one.” Remember the day, June 15, 8:00 P- m., in the college auditorium. Admission 50 cents.