The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1844-02-24

THE MYsrrRns OF THE SrAoE.-An very well 20
far as 1t went, was MIR. Barry's eloquent lecture
But he fingered only on the threshold of that in
teresting scene which we wished and expected to
see laid open to all eyes. We still want the ''mys-
tenes of the STAGE unveiled. We wish, as all
genuine friends of the Drama must wish, full,
faithful and practical exhibition of those defects,
errors and vices in its management, in its domestic
economy, in its general conduct, which have i'm
peded its progress marred its usefulness, and OBJ.
scured its excellence and brilliancy. Now Mr..
Barry has been behind the scenes. He is familiar
with all the hidden mysteries of the stage. He has
himself officiated as stage manager for years.
His experience, his intelligence, his candor, his
ability to communicate information, all render him
well qualified for discharging this task with eff
cheney and success.
The truth is, the abstract question respecting the
morality Of the drama is very easily disposed of,
and is of very little practical interest. Experience
has given the lie to the ranting abuse Illuminated
against the drama. The writings of Shakespeare,
alone, have done more to elevate, instruct and
purify the Ango-Saxon mind, than the works OF all
the professed mOralists and sages OF our age. But
it has been against what are called the abuses OF
the stage that the artillery of the clergy-the So
called guardians of the public morals-has been
directed most especially Let us, then, have a fair
and candid exposition OF these abuses from those
who have really possessed the means OF becoming
acquainted with them Instead of the distorted,
grossly exaggerated picture of those abuses, which
the opponents of the stage have presented, let us
have just and truthful representation of them (;
then we will be enabled most effectually to silence
the reviIers of the dramatic profession; and, at the
same time, to apply such remedial and preventive
MEANS as experienced judgment, and a friendly
feeling may suggest and approve.
Then, again, thorough and searching expose OF
the errors and misconduct of theatrical managers
would be highly serviceable to the interests of the
stage. We do believe that to the errors, the STU
pidity the avarice, the want OF tact of managers,
the present Frustrated state OF the drama is mainly
to be attributed. The drama, like truth herself has
often been sorely wounded in the house. Of her
friends Her character, her influence, her children,
her destnes have too often been in the hands OF
men unworthy of the trust Now, on this point,
Mr.. Barry could cast much interesting and nstruc-
tive light. He could tell us much about the ma
nagement of the Park Theatre, which would
amuse and instruct us, and serve the cause OF the
drama. What has been the causes of its want of
prosperity What have been the prominent errors
in the management? What about the green-room 7
Let us have some inkling of these things. Mr..
Barry will thus perceive that we have chalked out
abundance of work tor him but he is able to per-
form it all. He has made good beginning-let
him not leave the choicest part Of the work I'M
touched