I am considering the matter, at the moment, from the view-point of a play-goer.

What benefit does he receive from witnessing a tragedy?
In his home and his office has he not enough to engage his serious attention, and to frequently worry his mind?
Is it worth his while to dress and spend an evening watching a performance which, however skilfully played, will make him no happier than before?
It is a characteristic of those who are fond of sensational plays that they do not mind watching the tragical ending of a hero or a heroine, and all for the sake of amusement.

Young people and children are not likely to get good impressions from this sort of thing.

It has even been said that murders have been committed by youngsters who had been taken by their parents to see a realistic melodrama.

It is dangerous to allow young people of tender age to see such plays.