Lily Brayton (1876-1953)

"Kismet" (An " Arabian Night")
By Edward Knoblauch.
Produced at the Garrick Theatre on April 19th, 1911.

Hajj: Mr. Oscar Asche, The Guide Nasir: R. Ian Penny, The Sheikh Jawan: Caleb Porter, The Beggar Kasim: Tripp Edgar, Amru: Athol Forde, Zayd: R. F. Anson, The Caliph Abdallah: Ben Webster, The Wazir Abu Bakr: Ewan Brooke, The Wazir Mansur: Mr. Herbert Grimwood, Kafur: George Relph, Afife: A. Winspeare, The Gaoler Kutayt: J. Fritz Russell, Marsinah: Miss Lily Brayton, Narjis: Bessie Major, The Almah: Nancy Denvers, Miskah: Muriel Hutchinson, Kut-al-KuIub: Saba Raleigh.

The author has chosen one of the most fascinating subjects and set it in one of the most alluring atmospheres. In "Kismet," a story of love, hate and jealousy, Edward Knoblauch makes no pretence at impressing. He leaves that for the play. And it is impressive-not oppressive. There is the attractiveness of novelty about the piece, too, that should ensure it a long run. Well put together, the interest never flags, and it is not only interest aroused by novelty. "Kismet" gives one something to think about, something to remember; it thrills us, and is a work that should live.

Hajj was by profession a beggar. His was an honourable calling in the eyes of his fellow-men. He begged by the Mosque of the Carpenters in Baghdad. Hajj had a beautiful daughter. Hajj combined his calling of beggar with that of a thief, and for stealing clothes from the tailors he was brought before Wazir Mansur. Now Mansur sat in high places, but not sufficiently high for his ambitions. The Caliph stood in his way, and by plying the wretched Hajj, with wine and promising to marry his daughter, Marsinah, he wrung a promise out of Hajj to kill the Caliph.

Hajj was clumsy. The assassination fell through, and he was thrust into a dungeon. In prison he met an old enemy, the Sheikh Jawan, whom he killed, and in whose clothes he escaped.

Free once more, Hajj made his way to Mansur's harem, where he expected to find his daughter. There was murder in his heart, and he was resolved to kill Mansur. He reached the harem and rescued his daughter, Marsinah, who was secretly in love with the Caliph. He then drowned Mansur by holding him under water in the bath of the ladies of the harem.

The Caliph, who had been courting Marsinah, the beautiful daughter of Hajj, married her and made her his chief wife, and Hajj was banished on a pilgrimage to Mecca.

The play rests On the shoulders of Mr. Oscar Asche as Hajj. He carries it perfectly. The part suits him to the letter. His performance is a remarkably fine one. Miss Lily Brayton plays Marsinah with delicacy. It is not a heavy part by any means, but it needs all the careful handling it receives. Mr. Ben Webster and Mr. Caleb Porter give fine performances, but why isn't Mr. Herbert Grimwood a little less strenuous as Wazir Mansur. Miss Nancy Denvers is a delightful dancer.

The Playgoer Weekly, April 26 1911