“HITLER” UPROAR

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 35, 4 November 1933, Page 21

“HITLER” UPROAR

In London Theatre HOSTILITY TO GERMAN ACTOR One of the most extraordinary scenes ever witnessed in a London theatre occurred at the “fi:\t night.” of Gerhardt Hauptmann’s play. “Before Sunset,” at the Shaftesbury Theatre, when Werner Krauss, the German actor, made his first appearance in England. Outbursts of hostile shouts, accompanied by a rain of leaflets from the gallery, made it necessary for the curtain to be lowered twice. The first demonstration came almost immediately after the curtain rose" on the first act. At the entrance of Miss Joyce Bland, the young English actress, there was a storm of shouts from the gallery, and for a time the scene in the theatre was like Bedlam. Hundreds of leaflets were thrown down on the-people sitting in the stalls and dress circle. During the disturbance “stink bombs” were thrown. There were cries of “Down with Hitler” and “We Won’t let Werner Krauss appear.” The leaflets bore the inscription:— “A message to Hitler through Werner Krauss. We want British actors for British plays, not Nazi actors. Boycott Hitler. Buy British.” The jeers and shouts against Herr Krauss continued unabated, and eventually the curtain was lowered. The demonstration did not end until a number of policemen entered the gallery and ejected half a dozen of the demonstrators. Several of the interrupters ou leaving were given—aud accepted—their money back. The curtain again rose and the performance was resumed. When Miss Joyce Bland, who had had to bear the brunt of the disturbance, again came on the stage, she could not make herself heard for the storm of cheers which greeted her. People in the stalls, who throughout the demonstration had been standing, shouting “Shut up” and “Sit down” to the interrupters, gave her a tumultuous reception. Immediately Werner Krauss appeared on the stage a fresh outburst occurred in the gallery, and again the curtain had to be lowered. The earlier demonstration was repeated. and more men in the gallery were ejected. Miss Peggy Ashcroft, who was appearing in the play, then came before the curtain, to lie greeted with a roar of applause. She protested against the demonstration nt’’ -mid how proud she aud the rest of company were to appear on the sta; 'Hi So great a man as Werner Krauss. Tlie performance was then resumed, and Herr Krauss was given an ovation when he came ou.