In the summer he has “_ballades de propagande_,”—picnic trips into the country, which are given a serious turn by doctrinal speeches, in the open air, after lunch.
He has also—at least he had for a season—his weekly _déjeuners végétariens_, at which the somewhat attenuated coating of sugar which a vegetarian lunch gives to the lecture pill is overlaid with the more substantial sweetness of frolic, song, and badinage.
He has his theatre (that is to say, he has his amateur theatricals) about which a glamour of mystery and adventure is shed by the fact the greater part of the répertoire is under the ban of the censorship. Entrance to the performances is by invitation only and free. It is thus the law is evaded, a fixed and obligatory cloak-room charge replacing the fee of admission.
The _Maison du Peuple_ of the rue Ramey, which calls itself socialistic from motives of prudence, has a permanent band of actors (_le Théâtre Social_) on the border line between professionals and amateurs, who give evening and matinée performances nearly every Sunday throughout the winter and spring, and who occasionally go upon the road.
A single announcement will suffice to explain the operations of this and all similar troupes:—
_Maison du Peuple de Paris_, 47 _rue Ramey_ (4, _impasse Pers_).
“Before its departure for Belgium, where it is going to give a series of representations of its great success, _L’Exemple_, the _Théâtre Social_ has decided to give two other representations (evening and matinée) of the piece of Chéri-Vinet, at the _Maison du Peuple_, in order to accommodate the _camarades_ of the suburban districts.
“We invite you, then, _camarades_, to assist at the third and fourth representations (_strictly private_) of _L’Exemple_, interdicted by the Censorship, the unpublished revolutionary drama in 4 acts and 5 tableaux, which will be given Sunday, the 31st of March, at two o’clock and at half-past eight sharp.
“_L’Exemple_ will be preceded by _En Famille_, a piece by Méténier in one act.
“Invitations may be procured at the _Maison du Peuple_, 47 rue Ramey, at the offices of _L’Aurore_, _La Petite République_, and _Le Petit Sou_, and at the house of the _citoyen_ A——, number —, rue Championnet.”