II, Theaterstücke 25, Professor Bernhardi. Komödie in fünf Akten (Ärztestück, Junggesellenstück), Seite 400

S S
B
25. PrO
#ue second being especially memorable.
Professor Bernhardi.“
Before an overflowing and enthusiastie
audience, Arthur Schnitzler's comedy in
five acts, entitled“ Professor Bernhardi,“
in
which is forbidden by the censor in Aus¬
Rei
tria, but has scored successes in Germany,
re¬
was presented last evening in the Irving] pu
Place Theatre for the first time in this
country. Its presentation proved a success att
here, too. Conceived with particular ref¬
sig
erence to conditions in Austria, with
all
the prevalence there of the clerical and in
antl-Semitie spirit, it illustrates the old
di
struggle between liberalism and conserva- of
tism, and bears fa- universal message. lt
le
depiets the fate of an eminent Hebrew
Ce
hysiclan who in the pursuit of his calling
t
nwittingly antagonizes the spiritual claims
##the Church, and thereby challenges1
Isastrous consequences. The director of
famous sapitarium, and the head of its
iedical staff, Professor Bernhardi has
ist come from the chamber of a dying
irl who in happy delirium fancles herself:
estored to health and presently to be tak¬
en away by her lover, when a priest, called
by a subordinate, arrives to offer her the#
consolations of religion. Professor Bern¬
hardi does not wish his patient disturbed,
believing that the interruption might be
fatal, and refuses the priest admission.
While they are discussing their differences
the patient dies. The incident is seized up¬
on by the professor’s jealous rivals and
brought to the attention of the Government
in a false and distorted version, and Bern¬
hardi is suspended from his office, tried
for heresy, found guilty on perjured testi¬
mony, and sent to prison. In the end, when
redress is impossible, he is justified by the
confession of the false witness. The play is
cleverly written and full of vigorous char¬
acterization.
The actors gave an intelligent rendering
of the piece, but Heinrich Marlow would
have made a fairer impression as Profes¬
sor Bernbardi if his manner had been more
dignified. Rudolf Christians excelled both
as the priest and as Hofrat Winkler in the
last act. Otto Stoeckel made an excellent
Minister Flint; and all three were capi¬
tally supported by thegremainder of the#
east. Eutun
A
Deote Artarranse
box 31/1
sun dun dten
All# ab. geechahte
FAud epeteds
#at#
THURSDAT, JANUARY
SCHNITZLER IN A NEW FORM.
4 Serious Plag br the Sophistieated)
Viennese
The admi
ing
Place T
1 the
late
a
in a
heatre-
thro
ghout,
aS 80 ac¬
stage manager
aun
the imitation of
life and action,
as to be photographic in
reproduction
he actual. No actor, it
thus happens, deserves more praise than
his associates. But all the participants
are entitled to highest praise. The play
was uncommonly well acted.