A Chinese‑themed entertainment titled “Broken China” was presented last evening in the vestry of the First Baptist Church by the Baptist Christian Endeavor Society. The event featured elaborate decorations, including Chinese lanterns, and dramatized the courtship, marriage, divorce, and eventual Christian conversion of a Chinese woman.
Miss Alice Fales, president of the Christian Endeavor Society, narrated the play as it progressed. The role of the bride was played by Miss Doria Burton, who received strong applause for her heartfelt appeal on behalf of her race in the final scene.
Other cast members included Miss Mildred Rock as the mother‑in‑law, Clair Davis as the husband, Miss Hazel Parker as the friend, and Misses Bertha Norton and Lena Prince as the daughters. Miss Dorothy Davis portrayed the missionary, while Clarence Markle played the photographer. Schoolchildren were portrayed by Misses Bertha Small and Helen Bailey. The ensemble of coolies included Philip Norton, Richard Pennington, George Wellman, Edward Wellman, William Chitty, Lawrence Cobb, and Theodore Davis.
Music was provided by a “Chinese orchestra,” with characters played by Wilbur E. Sullivan (leader), Miss Lena Shaw (pianist), George Gordon, William Gregg, and Misses May Foster, Eva Pennington, Emily Hallowell, Bessie Letts, and Fannie Wellman. The group performed imitations of traditional Chinese instruments.
Rev. Ralph A. Stone offered brief remarks on Chinese missions. Following the performance, Chinese refreshments were served.
This event marked the third in a series of monthly entertainments hosted by the Baptist Church. The next program will be presented by the World Wide Guild.
Source: Boston Evening Globe, April 1, 1919
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