The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1817-08-27
THEATRICAL.

Son. in order 10 constitute first rate actor, 1t
will excite our admiraton, that SO many have at
|sained the highest honor in their protssson--wben
|such innumersbc obstacles pressed them down with
|tl,st multitude. to whom, Tie Temple OF Fame was
|elosed forever. Slight and superficial observers
have co0ceived that il requires nothing more than
IN ordinary share OF genius, and but little applca.
iion. to succeed in all the higher walks OF the
dtoma The actor who follows nature they say,
cannot fail to please. Have these self.sufficient
critics yet to learn. that the actor, who Identifies
himsen with the character which he personases-
who becomes the very Lear, and Richard, and o.
theilo, which he represents-lnust be possessed OF
ali those noble faculties which nature has given to
man: combined with knowledge Of the various
passions. which astate and control the human
mind and assisted by all the tight which science
AAs shed on the history OF the human species
A very common actor may appear extremely nat
ural and Unaffected 10 those characters which be-
long To ordinary life but it 10 reserved for supe
rior genius, TO inte rest as in those grand and i'm
pressive scenes. which drawn by the inimitable
pen of Shakespeare. Forgetting himself IN the
study Of his author. Just and accurate performer
pppears before in all the undisguiscd simplicity
Of nature when he is in fAct exhibiting the perfcc.
ton Of ms thestrical srt-and is successfully exert
ing the power of Illusion on the feelings OF his au.
dicnce True it Is, that performer has every pos
sibe inducement TO aim at something more than
medioc oc-ty--he is deserving of our esteem, who
acts rssu hs part" however humble II may be but
and Ke,nble, appiauded by millions, and rewarded
by the smiies and The friendship Of the most learn
ed and iliustrious men.
To the honor of the British nation, let 1t be re.
corded, that the society and the friendship Of the
meritorous and deserving performer, has been So
licited by men, who were no less exalted ~ their
literary aoquirements, than by the honorable sta
iiens which they occupied. 1t is a subject OF sur
prize to manyrthat the and sciences, since The
sixasenth century, have been constant ard iiorr'
sn-tneir march towards Improvement, whiie the
drama seemed to look in vain for those dsting uis
ed tAents. which adorned the age Of Garrick.
The art Of printing transmit from one genera
zion to another, the discoveries and invenuons oi
nenbut can it bequeath to posterity the eioquenee
OF feeling, tne language OF the soul II 'sa Ia
nentabe trutb. that neither tradition nor precept
can convey TO the young and aspiring candidate,
che eEcelience orimprovemcnt Of his predecessors
in the dramatic walks. Tue imagination may Con-
ceive. but words cannot describe the greatness OF
Cooke, the force and dignity OF Cooper. But al
though genius 10 compelled to cut It's woy TO the
temple Of theatrical fame, without instructor or
. guide, yet We can assert with confidence, that
even on this side the Atlantic, the honor Of the
stage has been we'll supported and the laurel crown
which The tragic muse presented to her Kemble aud
and her Cooke, she proffers 70 the correct and
{orcible Duff ~
has been so long and successfully exerted TO pro-
mote the best interests of the threatre, has recent
ly brought into public view constellation OF tai.
ents, which would shine rrsplendcnt, on the boards
of Covent Garden or Drury Lane, OF Mr. Duff we
have before spoken-he has supported first rate
characters in the stiIeS and spirit of man, who sp.
rsals at once to the judgement and the heart.
Mrs. Powell WHO combines thst elevation Of soul
and tenderness OF manners, which fascinated in
Mrs. Siddons, has lost none Of those attractions,
which marked her early appearance on the stage.
The charm Of novelty is dispersed but she who
af bso,I an b>ro Lau
- when fancy had been matured by judgment, can
depend on the favor Of that public, who know how
to appreciate and reward merit Her Meg Merri-
lies justified eur best hopes. Mr.. Bro~n. Who de-
-servedIy ranks among our best performers in gen.
teel comedy, and the more fashionable grand dra-
matte representations, gave powerful support to
Guy Mannering, by his representation in the diff.
cult character Of Dominic sampson. Mrs Droyh is
. valuable acquisition to our thsalrc-her perfor-,
nance is original and pIeasing-,here is unaffect-
ed gaiety IN her manners, extremely we'll suited 10
she parts allotted her. Mrs Duff's subsequent per.
formanees has justified the commentator bestowed
an last communications are con6den nj ,b al her
osamanda this evening will be worthy of the bride
OF flodssrdo. Mr. Drummond, as the CAV and vol.
stIe spark, is natural and easy. Mrs Drummond.
IN the artess language Of as,ae appeals IN IS, pow
ertiy to those fe sings which are Insensbe ~ tle
srti6ce Of stage effect We owe Me Crceue much
5or tire ability and discretion with which I,e has
saned vide range Of charac:crs--as a general sc.
tor, ne s equalled by few-has rautcd
the public amusement for many years. Time and
experience has melIosed his Judgment, bu, has no,
imp aired the life and spirit Of his youthful efforts
Air. Dyes is a vslsed sod respected friend--he
shall Always have hearty welcome for he cniivens
our festivities. and his countenancc lights I'd with
smile Mghfs sabe visage" We cannot convey
m adequate idea OF Nrs Barnes talent, and useful.
ncssshe 10 At ore ti- the kiudest and best natur.
st woman in the w1rld at another. she scolds to
admiration; and yet she always appears "qaile a,
home" Nr. idsmson succeeds Nc. Brsy, la come.
ay, ae 6ea" a refrea to melancholy,
"G-ieviny's folly.
Came let us be jolly"
Mr Hashs appearance is impressive in Tragedy
NJ Clarke mikes very honest justice. one q ne
old ciooi--a0 neS ap30fnrmsaf Mr. peby. IN ssn.
timcntal characters, appears 10 great sdvaI.agc
Nc. Shaw assists the triumph of misih, sni helps