The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-01-18

The DRAMA AND DRAMArIo LrrHRAruRz.-We
perceive that our suggestions regarding the decline
Of the legitimate drama. in this country, aud the
consequent decrease of theatrical patronage, have
had some influence with several managers in this
city. We find the proprietor of the Bowery Thea
tire usirg interchangeable exertions to dramstze every
thing IT a novel character, as can be seen In the
new and beautiful piece, "Beadlcea," which is
produced with the most gorgeous scenic effect
splendid dresses, and every other feature that can
give due effect to this grand historic spectacle -
For the last month, the Broadway Theatre has
been nightly visited by large assemblages Of our
citizens, to the truly romantic spectacle, called
" Montt -Cristo," which has had highly success
full rur, and the intense desire to see it still re-
mains undated. Burton, never behind the age,
Is every week introducing something new, and
hence his great sue cess as also that Of Chanrau,
at the National Theatre. But this action has only
carried out in part opinions as to the ultimate
triumph of theatrical management,-much.v very
much more, remains to be done. The respective
proprietors must. in order to a successful result,
give encouragement, by proper remuneration, to
the literary men of America, to write modern
plays, which will represent life as Is, and men as
they are. 1t ,s by the writings of Shakespeare and
others that we are enabled to Judge of the habits
and manners Of the people Of their times-thep,
how much more important Is 1t, in our own age Of
civilization-when events OF the most astounding
character are occurring-that we should have
noted down, for the instruction of generations who
will succeed us, all the interesting transactions
of cur own time. The whole world seems to be
in state of transition-every empire is being
shaken by the thunder.tones of republicanism-
battles unparalleled in the history of warfare, have
been fought and gained under the inspirltng in.
fluence OF freedom, and tyrants have been taught
a saluiary lesson, that they can no longer trampe
upon the rights Of humanity. How imperative,
then, to marx the passing events of the time, and
the living characters that move and have their be-
ing amongst us. These are the points for legiti
mate and dramatic construction, and by properly
painting new features as they appear we shall
reach the end for which the drama was instituted
In doing this, our own modern speech, or language
must be used, and blank verse eschewed as moi
belonging to the age IN which we live, at least fol-
conversational purposes, for unless a comedy be
conversational, it is nothng-itl Is even unnatural
There Is, then, ample national ability in oui
own land to carry out this object, without going
abroad for supply, If managers will act wisely In
holding out suitable bonus for sterling talent.
Let the attempt be made to write new set OF
plays upon national principles, and embracing the
cOnventionallties in our midst, and promise
that both instruction and amusement will follow
the prcprietors OF theatres will be encouraged and
rewarded by the most extensive patronage, and
then we shall have developed
"The age and body Of the time.
Its form and pressure"