Everyman, the famous old English morality play

              Everyman
The Famous Old English Morality Play
R. E. Magnus
Director
Complete Scenic Equipment
Correct Costumes Designed From Old English Drawings in the British Museum
Everyman
THIS beautiful morality play, one of the finest examples of the literature of the fifteenth century, is now so well-known that not to know its sublime story is almost a confession of not reading current literature. During the past three years, no play or book has created such a profound impression, or received as much attention from the daily and periodical press.
It is an unusual attraction, so intensely impressive, unique and withal so true to life, that it strikes deep into the hearts of all who witness it, and teaches a lesson which can never be forgotten, and one that, as an eminent devine has said, "Is worth a thousand sermons."
The play itself is an allegory of great beauty and power, possessing none of the elements and tinsel of the modern drama. The credit for the revival of "Everyman" is due to the English Elizabethan Soci¬ety, which presented it at Oxford University three years ago. The production was a pronounced success and created extraordinary interest throughout the English-speaking world.
One of the earliest productions in America was given at the Studebaker Theatre, Chicago, in Decem¬ber, 1902. It attracted considerable attention, drew large and appreciative audiences, and both the work of Mr. Rudolph E. Magnus and the play were highly commended by all critics. The following summer, the now famous production of "Everyman" at Lake Chautauqua (N.Y.) Assembly, was given under^the direction of Mr. Magnus who played the title role; over 7000 people witnessed each performance.
Mr. Magnus possesses all the essential qualifica¬tions—physique, voice, temperament, and training, to give a scholarly performance of "Everyman." He has shown his good judgment by following the advice of man)- of the best known critics, forsaking the works of modern playwrights and devoting his talents and interests to "Everyman" and the revival of other inspiring plays of the Middle Ages.
Today, Rudolph E. Magnus stands as the fore¬most American exponent of morality plays; and though it is a broad statement, it is nevertheless a fact, that no artist on the American stage has ever been more highly and consistently praised by the critics than has Mr. Magnus in his portrayal of the title role in "Everyman." His work in this difficult and emotional character displays the genius of the true artist, creating an impression on the mind that can never be effaced.
During the past season, Mr. Magnus and his com¬pany have played "Everyman" 191 times in 20 states without receiving one adverse criticism. Engage¬ments were filled in many of the large cities includ¬ing Chicago (12 performances); Kansas City, Mo.; Louisville, Ky.; Nashville, Tenn.; Charleston, S. C.
For this season (1905-06), the principal members of the cast have been reengaged, thus guaranteeing a company of a high order of dramatic intelligence and experience, as well as education and refinement.
To ensure a perfect scenic production, no expense or labor has been spared. All the scenery and prop¬erties carried by the company, and the elaborate cos¬tumes, are designed from old English prints in the British Museum, making  this   production the most complete   and   historically   correct   ever   given   this remarkable play.
Four early imprints of "Everyman" are at present known and are carefully preserved in the British Museum, Bodleian Library, Salisbury Cathedral, and the Britwell Library. The edition in the British Museum, believed to be the oldest, bears the imprint
ImpnjnteO In Xonfcon in flctc Strete bg me "RBCbarfce prison «                 printer to tbe Itgnge moost noble grace.
Pynson in 1509 was appointed special printer to King Henry VIII. The composition of "Everyman" is however, of a much earlier date than that of this edition, and the first performance of the play was no doubt given several years before the birth of the si> -teenth century. J. Payne Collier and Ten Brink both assign it to the reign of Edward IV (1451-1483). The name of the author is unknown, but it is gener¬ally believed that he was a monk, who had had pre¬vious experience in writing morality or miracle plays. There can be no doubt that the story itself is based on a parable narrated in the religious romance of Barlaam and Jehosaphat, which is now ascribed to
   John of Damascus, the younger, afterward Patriarch
IT     of Antioch, who died in  1090.
A BRIEF  SYNOPSIS.
THE character of Everyman represents human-^^ ity in general. The story of the play is sim¬ple but strong. The Deity after telling how the privileges He gave mankind have been abused, calls upon Death to summon Everyman to appear before His tribunal without delay, and to bring his book of reckoning. The full meaning of this unex¬pected command terrifies Everyman, and the knowl-
edge that his book ot reck¬oning is almost devoid of good deeds, adds to his ter¬ror. He begs of Death to grant him time, so that his book of reckoning may be made clear, but that is curtly refused. He then offers him gold if the matter be deferred for another day, and is again refused any respite. Convinced that he must obey the summons, yet dreading to make the fearsome journey alone, Everyman calls upon his relatives and friends to accompany him and help him make his reckoning clear before God. He first summons Fellowship, then Kindred, Cousin, Goods and Riches, Five Wits, Strength, Beauty, etc. At first, they all readily promise their help and com¬fort and swear to stand by him in any distress; but on realizing what is expected of them, become greatly alarmed and all flee from him. Knowledge comes to his aid and shows him how Good Deeds, who lies weak from neglect, may be restored and made able and ready to walk by his side. Every¬man repents and confesses his sins, and upon receiv¬ing the holy sacrament and ointment, Good Deeds becomes strong and accompanies him on his long journey.
The forceful and simple moral can readily be seen in the sad death of Everyman, forsaken by all his kith and kin; alone, except for his Good Deeds and an angel who awaits to carry his soul to Heaven.
Press Comments
Rudolph E. Magnus and his company mer¬it warm commendation for the skill, taste and dignified manner in which the old mor¬ality play was presented.
— Chicago Tribune, December 5, 1902.
The performance of "Everyman," in Man-del Hall, University of Chicago, last night proved an artistic revelation. Rudolph E. Magnus and his company are to be compli¬mented for the sincerity of their work. * * In the hands of its present interpreters, it is a truly artistic production. The costumes were rich and perfect and the scenery and accessories accurate in every detail.
—Chicago Chronicle, July 16, 1904.
"Everyman'' is wonderfully impressive, and this old morality play is particularly suited to the lyceum. The stage settings and costumes are accurate and the company adequate. Every course and every Chautau¬qua should include "Everyman." It is tit-ting, artistic and well presented.
—The Lyceumite, Nov. 15, 1904.
Too high praise cannot be given Mr. Mag¬nus for his careful work of preparation, whereby the entire rendition proceeded with perfect smoothness and dispatch. There was absolutely no hitch or incident to break the weird and mystic spell of this quaint survi¬val (or revival) of medievalism. It was an artistic performance from the organ prelude to the fall of the curtain upon the beautiful tableau with which the play ends. This scene where "Everyman" lies dead upon the lap of "Good Deeds" while the Angel waits in the background to carry his soul to hea¬ven, is one of the most beautiful scenes that the writer has ever beheld on any stage.— Chautauqua (N. V.) Assembly Herald, Aug. 12, 1903.
Beyond words. This brief phrase might be used with entire propriety in speaking of the presentation of "Everyman" last evening. The famous old morality play teaches a les¬son to those who witness it that will never fade from memory. It has the force of a ser¬mon, the fascination of the Shakespearean drama and under the sincere interpretation of Rudolph Magnus, power to move men's hearts. * * * Words of hearty praise and commendation are due the supporting com¬pany. Their perfect adaptability to the parts taken assists materially in the success¬ful presentation.
—Jacksonville (111.) Journal, Nov. 16, 1904.
Under the auspices of the University Dra¬matic Club, the famous old English morality play " Everyman" was presented last night at the Oliver before a crowded house. It was a wise move to substitute a professional aggregation for a performance by local tal¬ent. It goes without saying that the burden of the text falls upon "Everyman." This arduous duty rests upon Mr. Rudolph E. Magnus an actor of excellent parts. The whole gamut of emotions is to be portrayed from gayety to deep despair. To say that Mr.  Magnus accomplishes all this is more
$ress Comments:
solid praise than the use of superlatives. Such acting requires fine mental fibre. * * Adaptability to individual parts was of ma¬terial assistance in rounding out a superb performance. — Lincoln (Neb.) Journal, Dec. 2, 1904.
No modern drama seen in Nashville in many years, and no stories told from plat¬form or pulpit have the element of solemn vivid strength of this fifteenth century play "Everyman." Capable of producing a won¬derful, not to be forgotten impression, this remarkable play is so true to life that it strikes deep into the hearts of all who wit-tess it. The attraction will be here one week, and it is safe to say, it will be given to crowded houses for the rest of the week. JWa8hwlle(Tewi.)American% -Jan. 31, 1U05.
Grandly impressive and remarkably inter¬esting was the presentation of the old Eng¬lish morality play "Everyman" last night. Anything out of the ordinary is of interest to wide-awake and curiosity loving Amer¬ica, and "Everyman" is nothing if not ex¬traordinary. * * * The well-chosen cast More costumes of the fifteenth century, the time in which the play was first presented in England. * * The work of Rudolph E. Magnus in the title role showed a rare com¬bination of intelligence and talent. * * The supporting company was entirely adequate. —2?ashvitte{Teim.) Banner, Jan. 31, 1905.
b The performance is impressive and artistic. The spirit of medievalism pervades the play from the first note of the organ pre¬lude to the final tableau. Neither care nor expense has been spared in the costumes and stage appointments which are historically accurate in every detail. Mr. Magnus in the title role merits the warmest praise for his skill and understanding, his delicate appre¬ciation and sympathy. His voice is full and resonant, of great flexibility and so respon¬sive to the delicate shades of emotion as to avoid monotony in the long and exacting speeches. — Louisville (Ky.) Courier'Journal, February 7, 1905.
So much has been written about the plan, the purpose, the general character of ' 'Every¬man, "that it would be superfluous to again tell the story. We have to do rather with the effect, which was almost startingly be¬yond that could have been expected from a play lacking the accustomed support of striking scenic masterpieces and peculiar manipulations of lights. That "Everyman" lacked these accompaniments and yet moved its audience, as an Augusta audience has never been before moved, is an unquestiona¬ble testimony of the strength of the story and to the genius of those interpreting it. Physically, mentally, and we should say, spiritually, Mr. Magnus is ideally suited to the part. * * —Augusta (Ga.)Herald, Feb. 28, 1905.
One of the most impressive performances ever given by any company here was the production of "Everyman" by Rudolph E.
Magnus and his company at the Academy of Music, last night. The audience which filled the theatre to the doors, was deeply moved by the beautiful theme of the play and the profound truth it so graphically illustrated. The people of Sterling are indebted to the Knights of Columbus for this rare attraction and the order is to be complimented and congratulated upon its success. — Sterling (lYL)Evening Gazette, Nov. 12, 1904.
The production of "Everyman" has an especial interest which is worthy of note. The claim is made that the stage falls short of its mission as an educational force, that its tone is not exalted enough. Here is a play which meets the claim with a lofty purpose artistically defined. Surely no one so inclined could criticise a word or action. It fairly meets any demand which might be made by those who would "elevate" the stage, for such is the word employed in that current connection. Mr. Magnus' produc¬tion is worthy of the best encouragement of thinking people.— Hock ford (111.) Morning Star, October 29, 1904.
Mere words are absolutely inadequate to convey any idea of the powerful impress upon the mind of the spectator made by wit¬nessing a performance of "Everyman." It teaches a great lesson and points a grand moral, not by precept only but by a forceful example set before the eyes of the spectator. —Green   Bay (Wis.) Gazette, Nov. 4, 1904.
A splendid portrayal of the old English morality play, " Everyman," was given yes¬terday afternoon and last night by Rudolph E. Magnus and an unusual capable company. * * In the portrayal, Mr. Magnus assumes the title role and he does it in a manner that denotes his ability. The roles throughout are difficult to handle, but the company gives the best of support and renders the piece in a most effective manner. It is cer¬tain this play must make an impression upon the auditor that does not immediately disap¬pear for it gives striking lessons for thought. —Bay City (Mich.) Tribune, Jan. 1, 1905.
"Everyman" was given to a magnificent house at the Grand last evening, the event being the second number of the Lecture Course attractions. The play teaches what some of the modern dramas seek to teach, and what every really good play invariably does teach, that all but good deeds is vanity. The company headed by Rudolph E. Mag¬nus is competent in every respect and the piece was given with dignity and splendid effect from beginning to end.—Burlington (la.) Hawk -Eye, Nov. 15, 1904.
"Everyman" is well worth seeing, not only for its literary and historic value, but for its impressive influence. It not only represents the religious thoughts and dogma af the age in which it was written, but it makes a strong and subtile appeal to the present day. — Grand Hapids (Mich.) Post, Dec. 30. 1904.