The Sun.
London, England, 1857-05-18 00:00:00

HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE.

On Saturday eveniuga new ballet, entitled
" Aealista," was produced at the above theatre with
complete success. The following is a sketch of the
plot i— • .•-
" The first tableau is laid in a classical region.
Terpsichore is discovered in her bower, surrounded
by a group of nymphs and graces, and at her feet is
the object of her love, the shepherd Amyntas.
Notwithstanding this outward sign of adoration,
the muse does not seem satisfied as to the fidelity
' of Atnyntas, and to test the truth of her suspicions,
she orders several dames to be performed in her
presence. Her fears prove to have been but too
well founded. The dance of Spain has an especial
charm for the shepherd, and this is executed by her
favourite Acalista. Dissimulating her displeasure,
and at the same time ietending to wound her rival
by the most refined sarcasm, Terpsichore offers to
instruct Acalista in the first principles of her art.
Hero we see thecheregraphy of art opposed to that
of nature. Acalista cannot move according to
rule, acd the superiority of themuse must of course
be conceded, but while the muse excites admira-
tion, the favourite touches the heartsof all beholders
and the victory of Terpsichore is almost equiva-
lent to a defeat. To get rid of a rival so dangerous
she proposes that Acalista shall visit Spain,
and refine the taste for dancing that prevails in that
country, providing her with a pair of castanets and
a party of agile companions, that she may be pro-
perly equipped for the expedition. Acalista is filled
with delight at the proposition, and the trial of the
castanets affords her a fresh opportunity for the
display of her vivacity and grace. But Amyntas
is all despair when he sees the object of his secret
love float far from him on a cloud as unsubstantial
as his own visions of happiness. Real as the above
picture appears, it is, in fact, the dream of the
young Spaniard, Manolo, who, in the second
tableau (representing the interior of an inn-court
yard, on the road to Seville), wakes from his slum-
bers, and tells his friends what he has witnessed.
Nay, FO deep an impression has the dream made
upon him, that he rushes to seek for the ideal being,
who appeared the fairest type of his country's art.
All attempts to banish the mad project from his
mind prove ineffectual, when, at last, a veiled form
approaches, and, casting the veil aside, proves to
be the object of his adoration. His rapture is in-
expressible ; but it is a rapture mingled with awe,
as he is impressed with the conviction that such
loveliness must be of heavenly origin. Soon, how-
ever, his delight is without alloy, for he is informed
that the gods have granted him this model of
womanly beauty. for a bride."
The fascinating Perea Nena, who sustained the
principal part, was most warmly welcomed. She
was most admirably supported by Madlles. Rolla,
Michelet, Karliski, Brunetti, Pasquali, and Mor-
lacchi. The composition and " getting up" of the
ballet reflect great credit upon the talent of M.Masset,
and the new scenery, costumes, decoration, &c.,
L by Mr. Marshall, Mr, Masterman, and Mr. Laureys
also deserve high praise. With a compliment to
Mr. Nadaud Per his appropriate and perfectly dan-
sante must terminate
oxooss. ' this notice. The
house ra
was i P'
crowded
w ein
The Queen's box was occupied by Viscount and Vis-
crenntess Torrington, Mr. and Mrs. Petre, Hon. Mr. and
Miss Byng, Lady Moleswortb, and Colonel Airey.
Among the distinguished company present were the
Duke and Duchess of Wellington and Lady Julia Hay,
the Marchioness of Clanricarde,the Marquis of Clanricarde,
the Marquis of D.)negall, the Countess of Shelburne, the
Countess Dowager of Harrington, the Earl of Cardigan,
the Earl of Euston, the Earl of Lucan, the Earl of Wil-
ton, the Earl and Countess of Stamford and Warring-
ton, the Earl of Hardwicke, the Earl of Malmesnury,
Lord Ward, Lord Burghersh, his Excellency the Peru-
vian Minister, Viscount Powerscourt, Viscount Clifden,
Lord H. Clinton, M.P., Lord and Lady Eloho, &c.