Maternity (play)
Maternity is a dramatic three act play that opened January 6, 1915, at the Princess Theatre on Broadway starring Richard Bennett.[1]
An English language version of Eugène Brieux's French play, Maternité (1904), the work was translated by Benjamin F. Blanchard. The play's book was adapted by Richard Bennett, whose Purpose Play Society produced.
Unlike Damaged Goods, Bennett's previous socially conscious play by Brieux, Maternity was not an artistic or financial success.[2][3] Despite special matinées, which were well patronized in the final week,[4] the production ran for only 21 performances before closing.
Synopsis[edit]
Maternity deals with out-of-wedlock birth and the relations of motherhood to society.
Opening night cast[edit]
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Vera de Cordova | Josephine |
| Frances Savage | Madeleine |
| Adrienne Morrison | Lucie Brignac |
| Mai Estelle | Catherine Tupin |
| Richard Bennett | Julian Brignac |
| W. W. Crimmans | Dr. Hourtin |
| W. L. Romaine | Fechain |
| Jane Cooper | Annette |
| Maud Granger | Mme. Bernin |
| Charles Riegal | Judge of the Court of Assises |
| W. L. Romaine | Prosecutor |
| Erville Alderson | Council for the Defense |
| Isabel Winlocke | Mme. Thomas |
| Gertrude Workman | Marie Gaubert |
| W. W. Crimmans | Tupin |
| Vera de Cordova | Mme. d'Amergueux |
| George Ferguson | De Forgeau |
References[edit]
- ^ Bordman, Gerald Martin (1995). American theatre: a chronicle of comedy and drama, 1914-1930. Oxford University Press US. p. 18. ISBN 978-0-19-509078-9. Retrieved 15 March 2011.
- ^ New York Times, Jan. 7, 1915, "Bennett Gives Us Some More Brieux --- English Translation of "Maternite" Is Produced at the Princess Theatre," p. 13
- ^ New York Times, Jan. 10, 1915, "Second Thoughts on First Nights --- A Mild Expression of Doubt as to How Well a Certain Purpose Play Serves Its Purpose," p. 66
- ^ New York Times, Jan. 31, 1915, "Matinee of "Maternity" at Princess," p. X 9