The Prince of Parthia

Prince of Parthia, The (1767), a tragedy by Thomas Godfrey. [ Southwark Theatre (Philadelphia), 1 perf.] Vardanes (Mr. Tomlinson) plots to turn his father, King Artabanus (David Douglass), against his brother Arsaces (Lewis Hallam Jr.) because he resents Arsaces's success in war and, even more, his brother's winning the affection of Evanthe (Miss Cheer), a captive maiden whom both Vardanes and the king covet. Vardanes succeeds in having the king imprison Arsaces, but their third brother, Gotarzes (Mr. Wall), leads an army to free him. During the ensuing battle, Evanthe hears that Arsaces has been killed, so she poisons herself. But the news of his death was only a rumor. Arsaces rushes to the dying girl, and when she expires he kills himself. His last words are “Out, out vile cares, from your distress'd abode.” Gotarzes is left to restore order. The first play by an American author to be professionally produced in America, its dramatic and theatrical values are modest. The incomplete records of the period make it uncertain whether more than one performance was given, and the American Company cast listed above is the one postulated by Seilhamer and generally accepted by later scholars. Thomas GODFREY (1736–63) was born in Philadelphia, the son of the inventor of a sea quadrant, and was apprenticed to a watchmaker until William Smith, provost of the College of Philadelphia, saw potential in the boy. He released Godfrey from his indentures and began his education, which included dramatic performances. Godfrey wrote The Prince of Parthia, his first and only play, while still in his early twenties. At the same time Smith helped him obtain a commission in the Pennsylvania militia, and Godfrey served in the expedition against Fort Duquesne and later was promoted to lieutenant. Shortly thereafter, he moved to North Carolina, where he died of a sudden fever. His play was not mounted until after his death. Godfrey was also a poet of some repute.