The decision of the ADE. to reduce their charges for admission {o their performances of "Dracula {ga development which, it is no secret, has been discussed for a Considerable time past in view of the economic conditions prevailing Shanghai, and at the most can only be taken as a temporary expedient for the bennet of those who are still faithful to the traditions of the theatre. It appears on the face of it'to be a wise-slop. With evidence of the manner in which people gen= erally. in Shanghai, and especially certain landlords, are becoming 10 realize that money is getting tighter, and that the individual can Tonger spend with exactly "the same Lght-heartedness "as he did but a few years ago, It would be idle for those who cater to the lighter side of life to believe that they can continue charging the prices they have obtained in the past. It has often Been contended "that the prices charged by the A.D.C. have been too ow, but Shanghai fas stubbornly refused to countenance increases, and attempts to charge a maximum of $5 for the best seats, as far back as. the palmy days of fifteen years ago. met with what amounted almost a boycott, The policy of a low charge without seat booking was completely vindicated at the recent club evening when the house was praetleally lied, and there were Zn-Gications yesterday that the public large were already" showing greater anxiety to avail themselves of the lower price now charged. That wit have profound effect' upon future productions in Shanghai "is apparent. It should in no way lead a deterioration of quality, though In "such matters as settings and dressing it might lead to a degree of Sylization which, though. somewhat cheaper, need be no less effective, On the whole the committee of the ADE. are to be commended for the wisdom of their step. for it, places their production well within the reach of those many purses which present times have sadly depleted,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.