| + − | Putnam’s. 2: 348. Je. ’07. 240w. |
Mackaye, Percy Wallace. Sappho and Phaon: a tragedy, set forth with a prologue, induction, prelude, interludes, and epilogue. **$1.25. Macmillan.
7–17376.
In the prologue of this drama the dramatist has imagined the players’ quarter of a theatre of Herculaneum to be unearthed. An archaeologist present finds a papyrus scroll containing the players’ copy of “Sappho and Phaon.” The play presents Sappho created entirely from the bits of her verse that have been preserved. Among Sappho’s lovers are Pittacus, the Mitylene tyrant, and Alcaeus, while Sappho herself loves Phaon, a slave, who is bound to his slave mate Thalassa. Pittacus relinquishes his suit while Alcaeus persecutes Phaon. The tragedy grows out of these conditions, and into it are woven the traditional vengeance of the gods, with the modern note of symbolism and mysticism.
“The trait that lingers in the mind as the finest promise is the way in which he has invested the old passionate story with intimations of tender and wistful humanity.” Ferris Greenlet.
| + | Atlan. 100: 848. D. ’07. 700w. |
“The least convincing episodes in Mr. MacKaye’s very unusual and interesting work are those in which, to suit his own fancy rather than fact, he has endeavored to restore to us the life, customs and habits of the ancient Roman stage.”
| + − | Ind. 63: 569. S. 5, ’07. 650w. | |
| + | Ind. 63: 1230. N. 21, ’07. 80w. |
“Dr. Mackaye’s work is the most notable addition that has been made for many years to American dramatic literature. It is a true poetic tragedy, classic in form and spirit, not always glowing with the fire of genius, but nevertheless charged with happy inspiration; dignified, eloquent, passionate, imaginative; and thoroughly human in its emotions.”