David Pinski, perhaps the most notable dramatist of the Yiddish Theatre, was born of Jewish parentage April 5, 1872, in Mohilev, on the Dnieper, White Russia. Because his parents had rabbinical aspirations for him he was well educated in Hebrew studies (Bible and Talmud) by his fourteenth year, when he moved to Moscow, where he was further trained in classical and secular studies. In 1891 he planned to study medicine in Vienna, but soon returned to Warsaw, where he began his literary work as a short-story writer. In 1896 he took up the study of philosophy and literature, and in 1899 wrote his first plays. In 1899 he came to New York City, where he is now editor of the Jewish daily, Die Zeit. In 1911 he revisited Germany to see a production of his well-known comedy, The Treasure, by Max Reinhart.
Mr. Pinski is zealous in his interests in literature, drama, socialism, and Zionism. Drama is to him an interpretation of life, and a guide and leader, as were the words of the old poets and prophets. "The dramatic technique," says he, "changes with each plot, as each plot brings with it its own technique. One thing, however, must be common to all the different forms of the dramatic technique—avoidance of tediousness."
Mr. Pinski has written a goodly number of plays, most of which are on Yiddish themes. Forgotten Souls, The Stranger, Sufferings, The Treasure, The Phonograph, and A Dollar may be mentioned. Most of his plays have been produced many times; The Stranger played the third season in Moscow.
"I wrote A Dollar," says he, "in the summer of 1913, when I was hard pressed financially. I relieved myself of my feelings by a hearty laugh at the almighty dollar and the race for it. Just as I did many summers before, in 1906, when I entertained myself by ridiculing the mad money joy in the bigger comedy, The Treasure."
| PERSONS |
| The Characters are given in the order of their appearance. |
| The Comedian |
| The Villain |
| The Tragedian |
| Actor who plays "Old Man" rôle |
| The Heroine |
| The Ingenue |
| Actress who plays "Old Woman" rôle |
| The Stranger |
A DOLLAR
A cross-roads at the edge of a forest. One road extends from left to right; the other crosses the first diagonally, disappearing into the forest. The roadside is bordered with grass. On the right, at the crossing, stands a sign-post, to which are nailed two boards, giving directions and distances.
The afternoon of a summer day. A troupe of stranded strolling players enters from the left. They are ragged and weary. The Comedian walks first, holding a valise in each hand, followed by the Villain carrying over his arms two huge bundles wrapped in bed-sheets. Immediately behind these the Tragedian and the "Old Man" carrying together a large, heavy trunk.