Maternity is a dramatic three act play that opened January 6, 1915, at the Princess Theatre on Broadway starring Richard Bennett.
An English language version of Eugène Brieux's French play, Maternité (1904), the work was translated by Benjamin F. Blanchard. The play's book was adapted by Richard Bennett, whose Purpose Play Society produced.
Unlike Damaged Goods, Bennett's previous socially conscious play by Brieux, Maternity was not an artistic or financial success.New York Times, Jan. 7, 1915, "Bennett Gives Us Some More Brieux --- English Translation of "Maternite" Is Produced at the Princess Theatre," p. 13New York Times, Jan. 10, 1915, "Second Thoughts on First Nights --- A Mild Expression of Doubt as to How Well a Certain Purpose Play Serves Its Purpose," p. 66 Despite special matinées, which were well patronized in the final week,New York Times, Jan. 31, 1915, "Matinee of "Maternity" at Princess," p. X 9 the production ran for only 21 performances before closing.
Synopsis Maternity deals with out-of-wedlock birth and the relations of motherhood to society.
Opening night cast ActorCharacterVera de Cordova JosephineFrances Savage MadeleineAdrienne Morrison Lucie BrignacMai Estelle Catherine TupinRichard Bennett Julian BrignacW. W. Crimmans Dr. HourtinW. L. Romaine FechainJane Cooper AnnetteMaud Granger Mme. BerninCharles Riegal Judge of the Court of AssisesW. L. Romaine ProsecutorErville Alderson Council for the DefenseIsabel Winlocke Mme. ThomasGertrude Workman Marie GaubertW. W. Crimmans TupinVera de Cordova Mme. d'AmergueuxGeorge Ferguson De Forgeau
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