| Citation |
NYP-N.783.007
24 Nov 1783:23 (335)
From the Independent Gazetteer.
The subject of conversation, at present, is whether a
company of Comedians shall occupy the Theatre in this city?
As theatres are conducted in Great Britain and Ireland, I
am against them; because they exhibit the most scandalous
scenes of licentiousness; but if our play-house were opened
under proper regulations, it would be a public benefit. The
gaming table would not be so much frequented, and houses of
debauch would be disregarded.
Young people must have amusements; and if the play-house
be shut, they will find places heavier on their purses, and
destructive to their morals. . . [5 lines]
I am not concerned with any manager or player. I know
none of the persons said to have lately arrived here, under
that description; but I wish to see the youth of our
flourishing empire properly brought up: And oratory, an
inestimable branch of eduction, can be no where better
taught than at a public theatre.
Let a law be made, so that nothing shall be exhibited,
before it meets with the approbation of a committee chosen
for the purpose of inspecting such performances; then the
present fears of a few well disposed persons would
undoubtedly vanish--we would not be charged by foreigners,
as we are now, with stiffness and singularity--vice would be
lashed--virture recommended--our young people would be
instructed, and a very considerable revenue might be brought
to the state. [signed] B.
Monday last the following was presented, signed by a
number of the inhabitants of this city.
To the President and Executive Council of Pennsylvania.
The Memorial and Remonstrance of the Subscribers,
Inhabitants of the City of Philadelphia.
Sheweth, that understanding with equal apprehensions and
regret, a design is in agitation and preparations are making
to open a theatre in the suburbs of this city, for the
exhibition of stage plays, and other pernicious amusements
of the like kind; we conceive it our duty to represent to
you some general observations, in which the virture and
morals of the people are immediately interested. . . [long
essay against theater] Philadelphia 8th, 11th month, 1783.
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