In 1911, actress Sarah Bernhardt's production of La Samaritaine met with fervent opposition from Philadelphia clergymen. In 1912, the Irish Players' production of Playboy of the Western World caused yet another Philly audience riot!

What was going on? Listen and find out! It's all part of our continuing Season Two: "Drama Is Conflict".

Please Note: There is nothing immoral, blasphemous, or obscene in this episode. There's no explicit language. None at all. Don't worry, you'll be fine.

For more images, information and a bibliography of our sources, see the blog entry "Bernhardt and the Playboy" on our website:
https://www.aithpodcast.com/blog/bernhardt-and-the-playboy/

On Sunday, June 29th, from 10 to 11 AM, the author and podcaster Peter Schmitz will be appearing at the Brookline Books stall at the 2025 American Library Association annual conference and exhibition at the Philadelphia Convention Center.

If you’re a librarian - or a fan of libraries - and are coming to the ALA in Philly this year, please be sure to stop by and say hello!

"Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia" the BOOK can be ordered from independent bookstores and at all online book retailers now!

Our website: www.aithpodcast.com

Our email address: AITHpodcast@gmail.com

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© Podcast text copyright, Peter Schmitz. All rights reserved.

℗ All original voice recordings copyright Peter Schmitz.

℗ All original music copyright Christopher Mark Colucci. Used by permission.