In modern psychological dramas, where the subtlest movements of the soul are to be reflected on the face rather than by gestures and noise, it would probably be well to experiment with strong side-light on a small stage, and with unpainted faces, or at least with a minimum of make-up.

If, in additon, we might escape the visible orchestra, with its disturbing lamps and its faces turned toward the public; if we could have the seats on the main floor (the orchestra or the pit) raised so that the eyes of the spectators would be above the knees of the actors; if we could get rid of the boxes with their tittering parties of diners; if we could also have the auditorium completely darkened during the performance; and if, first and last, we could have a small stage and a small house:  then a new dramatic art might rise, and the theatre might at least become an institution for the entertainment of people with culture.  While waiting for this kind of theatre, I suppose we shall have to write for the “ice-box,” and thus prepare the repertory that is to come.

I have made an attempt.  If it prove a failure, there is plenty of time to try over again.

MISS JULIA
A NATURALISTIC TRAGEDY
1888

PERSONS

MISS JULIA, aged twenty-five
JEAN, a valet, aged thirty
CHRISTINE, a cook, aged thirty-five

The action takes place on Midsummer Eve, in the kitchen of the count’s country house.

MISS JULIA

SCENE

(A large kitchen:  the ceiling and the side walls are hidden by draperies and hangings.  The rear wall runs diagonally across the stage, from the left side and away from the spectators.  On this wall, to the left, there are two shelves full of utensils made of copper, iron, and tin.  The shelves are trimmed with scalloped paper.)

(A little to the right may be seen three fourths of the big arched doorway leading to the outside.  It has double glass doors, through which are seen a fountain with a cupid, lilac shrubs in bloom, and the tops of some Lombardy poplars.)

(On the left side of the stage is seen the corner of a big cook stove built of glazed bricks; also a part of the smoke-hood above it.)

(From the right protrudes one end of the servants’ dining-table of white pine, with a few chairs about it.)

(The stove is dressed with bundled branches of birch.  Twigs of juniper are scattered on the floor.)

(On the table end stands a big Japanese spice pot full of lilac blossoms.)

(An icebox, a kitchen-table, and a wash-stand.)

(Above the door hangs a big old-fashioned bell on a steel spring, and the mouthpiece of a speaking-tube appears at the left of the door.)

(CHRISTINE is standing by the stove, frying something in a pan.  She has on a dress of light-coloured cotton, which she has covered up with a big kitchen apron.)