The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1844-08-22
Saratoga Correspondsnce-No. q.
U. 5. HOTEL, SARATOGA, Aug. 10, 1874
Prescnt Condition of the Drama.


Prescnt Condition of the Drama.
Between the fine and the useful arts there is a
striking difference In the latter, all productions Of
every degree of excellence are estimated and
sought for in the exact proportion to the emount OF
utility they afford and to the cheapness with which
they can be supplied In the former, productions OF
the first order of excellence alone are priced and
cheapness is little regarded, IT, indeed, be not
looked on as disparaging mark. II is not merely
with indifference that inferior productions OF art
are regarded. Such objects to refined and cul-
tvated eye, are positively repugnant, and excite
sense of vugarity. II seems an instinct implanted
in the mind urge US on in the course OF refine-
ment, to elevate us above the grosser and more
material objects The stage, as department Of the
fine arts, is eminenty subectto these observations
Who that has been familiar with the sublime i'm
presentations Of Mrs. Siddons, or with the beaut
full and touching performances Of Miss O'Nei,
could derive the slightest enjoyment from any fe
male artist IN the same lines now on the stage
How greatly is the sense of enjoyment which
would result from the personation Of Macbeth, by
Macready, planted by the fresh remembrance Of
John Kemble, or from that Of Othelo, by the vivid
recollection ofthe matchless performance of Kean |?
1t is not that the present stage artists are bad POSI-
lively, but they are bad comparatively. The stage
would be in more hourishng condition than it is,
even though the present artists were ofinferior
celence, provided only that they not preceded
by 80 many who have been gifted with higher dra-
matte powers.
II is said that the taste for the legitimate drama,
at least in its highest branches, is on the decline,
both here and in Europe, and the failure Of the
principal theatres Of London and Paris as well as
those of this country, is given as evidence in sup
port Of this position.
How is this 10 be tested? Is it because with the
talent now available paying houses cannot be kept
up through the season at Drury Lane and Covent
Garden, at the Theatre Francais, or at the Park
In reply to this we will ask, does any one doubt
that Macbeth, supported by John Kemble and his
immortal sister, or Othello, sofered by Kean in the
prime Of his vigor, would again command over
flowing houses at either Of the patent London
theatres? Is any evidence in favor Of this position
to be drawn from the fact that every seat is engag.
ed at the Theatre Franeals, even the musicians be-
ing driven from their customary places whenever
Rachel gives her representations i? Are the houses
drawn by Macready at the Park any proof of this
The latter said not to have come up to the ex-
pectation either Of the actor or the managers his
second engagement? We do not know what these
expectations were, or on what they were grounded,
but we do know this, that the evidences on the
whole were sufficient to vindicate the public from
the charge Of nsensibility to the claims of the e-
climate drama The plain truth is, and it is vain
to close the eyes upon it, that the standard Of the
public taste in regard to the legitimate drama,
instead of falling, has rsen-rsen above the condi
ton Of the average available talent and the result
is, that the market does not afford sufficient
amount Of dramatic genius, in that department,
to keep open, with profit, those theatres which are
more especially devoted to it.
In high comedy the condition Of things is no
better. Since the retirement of Mars that class Of
performance on the French stage has sunk. With
all the admiration which must be accorded to Mrs.
Nisbet she is not the Beatrice or the Rosalind, or
the Lady Teazle, or the Mrs. Sullen, who can up
hold that department of the drama. William Far
rem is, it is true, host but it is the old men only
-gentlemem,we should say, that he engrosses. Mrs.
Glover would have been most efficient supporter
oithis department Of the stage, but alas the sun
set Of lite" has come upon her, and great as her
powers still are, they are not all that is wanted.
Charles Matthews and his wife, Mrs. Humby, and
few others keep breath in the body Of legitimate
comedy at the Haymarket, and that is all that
can be said.
More of this anon.
AN EUROPEAN TRAVELLER.