The Amazing Monsieur Coquelin.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXV, Issue 13, 30 September 1905, Page 42

The Amazing Monsieur Coquelin.

Few celebrities have been more written about of late in the French newspapers than the elder M. Coquelin. In spite of advancing years he is astonishingly active, and he has just perfected the scheme so dear to his heart—an uninflammable theatre! In the autumn, he intends to experiment with this amazing theatre. He and a few friends are to shut themselves up in the playhouse, and a number of firemen are to attempt to set it alight. “But they will fail,” declares Coquelin, confidently, and joyously. After the attempt, he will ask that his admirable theatre bo subsidised by the State. Apart from his theatre, Coquelin is deeply interested in his Maison des Comediens, which, opened a short while, ago by himself, and Mme. Rejane, is a retreat for superannuated actors and actresses. It is an ideal “home,” and its inmates have the happiest time of it.'- Both touching and charming is it to hear the old ladies and old gentlemen chatting of their theatrical triumphs of years ago. Coquelin pays them constant visits, and so do all the celebrated performers on., the French stage. Then, this autumn the immortal creator of “Cyrano de Ber-’ gerae,” will produce a play that wilt be the event of the theatrical season. Lt ' is a romantic piece of Rostand, and Coquelin vows that it is as wonderful as “Cyrano.”