129. “The Three Daughters of Lord DuPont”

Play in four acts by Eugene Brieux
Performance at the Lessing Theater, Berlin

What originally had spirit also shows it in a more or less mutilated reproduction. The somewhat "free" translation of this play proves this. It is a social play, in the best sense of the word, full of inner truth. Mr. Dupont has three daughters. The eldest was seduced at an early age, then thrown out into life; now she lives like those who seem to be living proof against the national economic principle that only "work" represents real "value". The second daughter has remained on the paths of virtue. She works her way joylessly into the stage of the "old maid". The third is sold off to an unloved man at an early age and is soon driven to the realization that she must do as countless wives do: lead a bourgeoisly correct married life and enjoy herself as much as she can on the side. With strict, firmly established logic, the result is developed from the social conditions, from the character traits of the characters. Mr. Dupont is an artistic masterpiece. Everything turns out differently than he intended, but he always thinks of himself as a clever diplomat. He represents the true spirit of philistinism, the gift of taking the most wrong, the most stupid for the right, the desirable. Mendacity in the guise of bourgeoisie, the immoral in the guise of the morally correct. A true dramatic satirist has drawn this print shop owner.