RURAL DRAMA 243 



est masterpieces, never surpassed this theme in its elemental, pas- 

 toral quality, so touchingly eloquent of the open country, the 

 starlight, the rudeness and homeliness of the stable, the peace, 

 the calm, the vastness of the event. 



WHAT THE PAGEANT CAN DO FOR THE TOWN 1 



GEORGE P. BAKER 



HOLIDAYS, which should be of interest to all, and not a mere 

 excuse for idleness that leads to drinking or other vice, are in far 

 too many cases ill used. The growth of competitive outdoor 

 sports in fitting season is a move in the right direction, for they 

 employ many and entertain more ; they are democratic and 

 healthful. Clearly the desideratum for our holidays is some- 

 thing which interests and occupies, as participants or audience, 

 as many people as possible, which does not emphasize social or 

 money distinctions, and which produces something more than 

 momentary pleasure. This is just what the modern pageant, as 

 to some extent already developed in the United States and widely 

 successful in England, provides. 



What is a pageant then? "Something between a play and a 

 procession." It is not merely processioning by people in fancy 

 costumes, nor tableaux on fixed or movable stages, nor dancing, 

 nor instrumental or vocal music, nor dramatic scenes in prose or 

 verse. It may be all of these, or some of these, combined. It is 

 a composite form that stands between a procession like that of 

 the trades or of the Antiques and Horribles and a regular play. 

 As to place or scene it is not limited, but may be given indoors or 

 outdoors, though outdoor performances are usually more pic- 

 turesque, make it possible to use more performers and provide 

 comfortably for a larger audience. Its aims in setting are pic- 

 turesqueness and space sufficient for free movement by the many 

 people taking part. 



Nor is the pageant limited as to subject. It may revivify the 

 history of state, city, town, village, college, school or individual. 

 It may be an allegory conveying some stimulating idea or moral 



1 Adapted from Ladies' Home Journal, April, 1914, p. 44. 



