Maternity (play)
Maternity is a dramatic three act play that opened January 6, 1915, at the Princess Theatre on Broadway starring Richard Bennett.
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.[1][2] Despite special matinées, which were well patronized in the final week,[3] the production ran for only 21 performances before closing.
Synopsis
Maternity deals with out-of-wedlock birth and the relations of motherhood to society.
Opening night cast
- Vera de Cordova as Josephine
- Frances Savage as Madeleine
- Adrienne Morrison as Lucie Brignac
- Mai Estelle as Catherine Tupin
- Richard Bennett as Julian Brignac
- W. W. Crimmans as Dr. Hourtin
- W. L. Romaine as Fechain
- Jane Cooper as Annette
- Maud Granger as Mme. Bernin
- Charles Riegal as Judge of the Court of Assises
- W. L. Romaine as Prosecutor
- Erville Alderson as Council for the Defense
- Isabel Winlocke as Mme. Thomas
- Gertrude Workman as Marie Gaubert
- W. W. Crimmans as Tupin
- Vera de Cordova as Mme. d'Amergueux
- George Ferguson as De Forgeau
References
- ^ 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