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Press, Volume L, Issue 8491, 24 May 1893, Page 3

I TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS.

Sir, —In your issue of yesterday I read a mournful wailing ou bhe fubure of bhe sbage, signed "Old Playgoer," in which he deals oub abuse unmercifully to the modern pro* due tion of burlesque and obher spectacular displays, regretfully citing tho fact (?) that the production pow-a-days of genuine drama means ruin to the bold manager attempting it. Now, sir, I take ib that " Old Playgoer " was basing his remarks on the success of the company now occupying our boards, and from that sbandpoint chiefly I will criticise his remarks. First, as to his stating bhab the production of plays by Sheridan or Robertson to-day meaus ruin, ib is erroneous, and. I give it a flat denial. Why, only a few months ago in Sydney I remember "Casbe," from the pen of Mr Roberbson, running to overflowing houses for an almosb unprecedented run in thab ciby. And, as regards Shakespeare and obher classical wribers, I might cite Mr Irving's continued success in London, or coming nearer home, the labe most successful run of " Much Ado " at Sydney Criberion. Then, sir, re the burlesque, he says that he can see in the near fubure ib will require nothing'but'an outlay, of capital and a spice of indecency, without paying large salaries, to draw the people to the theatres.

Now, as regards the indecency, I challenge " Old Playgoer " to point out one indecent item iv any of the programmes submitted to us by bhe Gaiety Company. Perhaps he objects bo the ladies in tights, if so 1 am sorry for his senße of propriety. For myself I consider the ladies on the stage are in every respecb as well clad as most ladies in the streets, though J will admit thab the superfluous and, th-refore, unnecessary clothing is dispensed wib_j ; and instead of dull sombre colours, are substituted bright, gay and pleafiing ones. Then as regards salaries, let pie enlighten " Old Playgoer." Ib is a fact that leading burlesque artistes are in receipt of higher salaries than perhaps members of any other branch of the profession. Then as regards meritorious plays and good aubhors. I think our friend has still something to learn in "spite of his signature. For a burlesque to be successful it must be well written and the fun must be of the best, the wit and humour of the highest, and I might say thab we have the best writers of the day putting' some of their time in at writing libretto for burlesques. The pretty little stage drunk item in his letter is, in my opinion, a point in evidence against onr friend's argument, for by showing the people the pitiable condition to which a man may descend will tend to Srevent 'rather than encourage him' to do kewise.

In conclusion, I might give it as my opinion that the burlesque instead of harming the legitimate drama will help to bring it into greater prominence by its great contrast; thereby creating a variety in stage productions, which is the true form of enjoyment. I would be one of the first to cry out at indecency on the stage, but fail to see it in the slightest degree in such productions as "Faust ,r or "Carmen up to Data."—Yours, Ac.,

Playgoer.