- description
- # CHAPTER XXIII. THEATRICALS IN A MAN-OF-WAR.
## Overview
This is chapter XXIII, titled "THEATRICALS IN A MAN-OF-WAR.", from the novel [White-Jacket](arke:01KG8AJ89Z18FKVJV5H0488ZAZ). It was extracted from the file [white_jacket.txt](arke:01KG89J19NC56FFGBCM2SWEZZY) and is part of the [Melville Complete Works](arke:01KG89HMDZKNY753EZE1CJ8HZW) collection. This chapter follows [CHAPTER XXII. WASH-DAY AND HOUSE-CLEANING IN A MAN-OF-WAR.](arke:01KG8AJQSQQZXV8JE55Y1C2VK6) and precedes [CHAPTER XXIV. INTRODUCTORY TO CAPE HORN.](arke:01KG8AJQSHM9ZFF0AKGP5F210Z).
## Context
The chapter is situated within the narrative of [White-Jacket](arke:01KG8AJ89Z18FKVJV5H0488ZAZ), a novel by Herman Melville. The novel is part of the larger [Melville Complete Works](arke:01KG89HMDZKNY753EZE1CJ8HZW) collection. This specific chapter details events occurring on the naval vessel "Neversink" as it approaches Cape Horn.
## Contents
This chapter describes the preparations and performance of theatricals organized by the crew of the "Neversink" to celebrate the Fourth of July. Due to the ship's location and lack of grog, traditional celebrations were not possible. Instead, the crew, with the captain's permission, put on a play titled "The Old Wagon Paid Off!" and other performances. The chapter highlights the sailors' enthusiasm, the makeshift stage on the half-deck, and the eventual interruption of the festivities by an approaching storm. It also includes the narrator's reflections on the temporary breakdown of strict naval discipline and the subsequent return to routine.
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- CHAPTER XXIII. THEATRICALS IN A MAN-OF-WAR.
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- CHAPTER XXIII. THEATRICALS IN A MAN-OF-WAR.