By TOWNES COATES
With nearly 30 named characters and scores of Court Ladies, Trojan Women, Trojan and Greek Soldiers, and two singers, this ambitious production put many club members (along with colleagues and spouses) on stage. While Shakespeare’s text has five acts, this was presented in three acts by director Henry Herbert.
This production is part of a rediscovery of this circa-1602 play. It had some productions in 17th- and 18th-century England, but was absent from stages in the 19th century. It reappeared in the early 20th century in Europe, in the years adjacent to the First World War. It was not until this weeklong engagement by The Players that this play had its first Broadway production. It was mounted at what was then known as B.S. Moss’ Broadway Theatre. Previously known as the Colony, this house took the name of a theatre demolished in 1929. Topped by a skyscraper and its original façade covered in 1991, today’s Broadway Theatre is owned by the Shubert Organization.
The Players Revivals were a series of short engagements in Broadway houses mounted by the club between the world wars. With a membership comprised of producers, directors, actors, designers, and lovers of the stage, the club was well-suited to produce these plays, which were staffed entirely by club members and colleagues. The 8–10 performance runs served as a source of income for the club.
Townes Coates is a writer and producer of documentary film. He serves as the twentieth President of The Players.