The God of Quiet
Examiner of Plays' Summary:
A well-written but rather vague poetic allegory, with a Buddha-like ‘god of quiet’ for its central figure. Proximity to this sacred image suggests the discussion - first by a couple of beggars, then by a war-weary soldier, and finally by a couple of kings during their fight for a beleaguered city - concerning the comparative advantages of a life of strenuous combat and one of unambitious peace. In the course of the argument the chief advocate of warfare plumps his dagger into the heart of the god who exclaims ‘not one of you in all the world to know me!’ a view justified by the breach of the peace which instantly ensues when the supporters of the ‘god of quiet’ seek to avenge his fall. Dignified in treatment, if hazy in pretentious significance. Recommended for license. Ernest A. Bendall.
Licensed On: 28 Sep 1916
License Number: 482
Genre(s):
British Library Reference: LCP1916/23
British Library Classmark: Add MS 66114 L
Performances
| Date | Theatre | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Oct 1916 | Repertory Theatre, Birmingham | Professional |
Licensed Performance
Read Narrative
Performed alongside "The Sweeps of 98" by John Masefield and "The Inca of Perusalem" for the week by Joseph A. Dodd (actor), W. Brunton (actor), William J. Rea (actor), William Armstrong (actor), Felix Aylmer (actor), Frank Moore (actor), Frank Clewlow (actor), Noel Shammon (actor) Arthur J. Gaskin (sets and costume). "It is the most dramatic play Mr. Drinkwater has written, and shows development of the theatrical knowledge gained by the author while in charge of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre' (Pall Mall Gazette, 9 October 1916) "a moving and beautiful lyrical drama, a little difficult to follow at the first hearing" (Birmingham Daily Post, 9 October 1916)
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| 4 Nov 1916 | Repertory Theatre, Birmingham | Professional |
Read Narrative
Performed for the week alongside "The Sweeps of 98" by John Masefield and "The Inca of Perusalem" "Mr Drinkwater's play becomes at the last an exercise for fancy, instead of an invocation to imagination" (Birmingham Daily Post, 6 November 1916)
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| 20 Dec 1928 | Tewkesbury Grammar School, Tewkesbury | School |
Read Narrative
Performed at a School speech day by AJ Sollis (actor), WG Raggatt (actor), FJ Taylor (actor), GH Parslow (actor), BG Lane (actor), J.O. Dixon (actor), DJ Davis (actor), KW Maxwell (actor).
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| 1 Mar 1936 | ?, Leamington Spa? | Amateur |
Read Narrative
Reading by the Schools Branch of the League of Nations reported in the Leamington Spa Courier, 6 March 1936.
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| 30 Sep 1937 | Midland Institute, Birmingham | Unknown |
Read Narrative
Performed by Elroy Company Under the direction of Basil Ashmore.
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