The Sun.
London, England, 1821-08-01 00:00:00

and still think that a portion of the public motley might be em-
ployed with much advantage in maintaining the respectability
of our Theatres, if it should be found that, on restoring them
to their original purposes, the receipts should not be adequate
to the expenditure. But, for my own part, Ido not think any
such result to be apprehended ; it might be, in general, fairly.
inferred, that a larger audience would attend a shewy,,emeanTz,
ing, rattling " romance" than a regular play ; yet, I 'co?tfes";-
my own experience of the Theatres is against this deduction, as
I have invariably observed crowded houses, whenever Mrs.
Siddons, or Kemble, or Kean, have performed, and when, of
course, the standard productions of the British Muse have been
the order of the evening.

I apprehend that the extent ofthe evils resulting from the pre-
sent management of our great Theatres, is, in general, very im-
perfectly considered. Many who look with hearty contempt on
the trash with which our modern stage is inundated, are little
apprehensive of any serious injury accruing thence to our Na-
tional Literature. They take up their Shakspeare, enjoy him
in their closet, and turn from the Theatre with disgust. But
this is not as it should be. The drama was designed to be act-
ed ; its very name is derived freirn action ; and when it shall
cease to be acted, though some may write " nr.AmATIcK
POEMS," there will be an end to plays. This assertion derives
strong corroboration from the very few plays of talent which
the present century has produced, and the unpopularity of those,
except where occasionally a raree-show has been thrown in as a
bribe. Stage representation certainly is part of a play, and
therefore Aristotle calls the CC O'jin a NECESSARY part of the
drama * ; but the same great critic observes, that, although 1

. ,
necessary, it is that part which partakes of least skill, and
rather belongs to the art of the property-man, than that of the
poet j-. This is precisely a plain etaternent of the real case.
The persons therefore above alluded to, who view the proceed-
ings of the great London Theatres with indifference, as long as
they can enjoy in their closets the classical dramatists of their
country, are, however little they suspect it, as truly, though not
as fatally insensible to the true interests of the drama, as the
indiscriminating crowd which they despise, and which takes
this meanest part of the whole drama fur its very essence and
spirit.

I hope the interest and importance of the subject which I
have been considering will apologize for this, especially as it is
not my intention to trouble you with any farther observations
on the matter. If these should excite the attention of a single
Correspondent to the subject, my aim will be in some measure
answered. Ido not wish any opinion which I have expressed
to be defended or attacked, at least to- enter into a controversy,
for which I have as little leisure as inclination. All I wish is,
to call forth the exertions of better heads and stronger hands in
L the cause ; and I should be heartily rejoiced to see my theories
and schemes overturned and exposed, if better were substituted.
My only motive in taking up my pen (which, as you see, lam
but ill accustomed to wield) was zeal for the honour of my
country's stage, and my only object, to kindle the energies of
those who might yet, if they would, have the glory of restor-
ing it to its ancient splendour.

I am, Sir, your very humble servant,
DR.AMATICUS

Aristot de Poet. XIV.

t Id. Ibid. XV. Fin—lt may be said that Aristotle in this
passage contradicts his own opinion before delivered, concerning
the otliic- being a part of Tragedy, for he says, 7) yap 77;5*
farhiel c ATNAMIE xat avEv aywyos• x j t;r:otfi-
7.WV ecru but this is evidently in reference to the superiority
of the poet's share in the GETTING UP a tragedy.

*.* The Legitimate Drama is so important a branch of the
national amusement, and so beneficial in its tendency to extend
the knowledge of mankind, and improve the moral principles,
that we rejoice to see it supported by this learned, judicious,
and able writer. We hope to be honoured with his fiiture fa-
vours, and see no reason why he should be discouraged by
the silence of other Correspondents, as we rather infer that they
think the subject could not be in better heads, and therefore
readily acquiesce in his animadversions.