A Psychiatric Milestone eBook

Print

Word

PDF

intimately associated with the early history of Bloomingdale Hospital follow. These, together with an episode from the life of Dorothy Dix, stimulate our imagination with reference to the revival of interest in the care of the mentally ill in the first half of the last century. The closing scenes suggest the great advance which has taken place during the century, and the part that work and play take to-day in re-establishing and maintaining life’s balances. Finally, in symbolic processional, tribute is paid to Hygeia, the goddess of Health and Happiness.

CHARACTERS AND SCENES IN TABLEAU-PAGEANT

Music: Orchestra
Overture

Prologue

The Muse of History (Narrator): Adelyn Wesley
Spirit of the Past (Time): Dr. D. Austin Sniffen

Music: Orchestra
“Amaryllis”

SCENE I

COURT OF KING GEORGE III.—GRANTING OF THE CHARTER

Characters:
  King George III
  Queen Charlotte
  Prince of Wales
  Court Chamberlain
  Court Ladies
  Emissaries
  Cherokee Chief
  Gavot

Minuet

Through dramatic license, this scene takes place in the Court of King George III. Colonial emissaries, accompanied by a North American Indian, attend, and are graciously granted by the King a Royal Charter establishing the Society of the New York Hospital, along with a seal, insignia, and a money gift. A bit of color and romance attaches to the Cherokee’s appearance in the scene.

Music: Orchestra
  “God Save the King”
  “Minuet Don Juan”
  “Largo”
  “Amaryllis”

SCENE II

PINEL A LA SALPETRIERE [Transcriber’s note: original reads
‘SALPTERIERE’]

Characters:
  Pinel
  Patients
  Aides and Attendants

A courtyard scene in Salpetriere in 1792. Hopelessness and chained despair are pictured. Pinel enters, is saddened and indignant at the sight of so much unnecessary suffering, and instantly orders the chains to be struck off. The historic episode closes in a graphic tableau depicting the gratitude of the released.

Music: Orchestra
“Kammenoi Ostrow”