MADAME X

Madame X: translation

The FrenchmelodramaLa Femme Xby Alexandre Bis-son became a mainstay of the early 20th-century American stage, largely for the histrionic opportunities afforded anemotionalactress in the portrayal of an erring woman who has sunk to the gutter and committed murder. She is brought to trial and finally redeemed by reunion with her son, who—in a wonderful coincidence—is the attorney appointed to defend the woman he does not recognize. She also gets to play a death scene.Charles Frohmanpresented an English version in London, opening 2 September 1909, and 12 days later,Henry W. Savageopened the first American production in Rochester, New York. Translated by John N. Raphael and edited for the American stage by William Henry Wright, it opened at New York'sNew Amsterdam Theatreon 2 February 1910.Dorothy Donnellyelicited floods of tears in the title role, which was taken up on tour byAmelia Bingham, among others, as well as produced by resident stock companies to feature actresses likeEva Lang.