The Nevada journal., 1855-08-17
THEATRICALS.

with very marked public appreciation.
Some of the finest dramas in the language
have been produced, and the actors have
acquitted themselves in manner to win the
favor of any audience. There is charm
in the plays Of of'Shakspeare, living, stirr-
ing beauty, that removes all dullness from
repetition, for. new beauties occur to the
mind even most familiar with bis works,
whenever they are again brought beforeit.-
1t was a remark of the renowned Garrick,
that has been justified by the experience
ofthousands that he never took up a vol
ume of Shakespeare, and read page how
ever familiar to him, that he did not gain
a higher conception of his favoritc author.
tbs this gradual unfolding of new and more
forcible meaning in the works Of the i'm
mortal Bard. that explains the fresh inter-
est felt by the public in the representation
Of his plays. and the crowded houses that
greet good performers. This compliment
to the present company has been continu-
ally rendered by the public; for while ad-
equate playing is ever attraction, medioc-
rity never is more sure of being damned
than when it attempts to illustrate Shaks-
peare's conceptions.
On Saturday evening last Shakspeare's
great tragedy ofRichard III was produced
for the first and only time. 1t was well
put upon the stage, and received with the
highest favor, Mr.. Stark appeared as the
Duke of Gloster, who. raises himself by
the cruel and dark intrigues of satanic
mind, and the license of the period, to the
Kingdom. Historians have asserted that
Shakespeare has done injustice to the char
acter of Richard; and handed down to ex-
ecration man as fair as his opponents in
moral charaetcr-that Richmond was as
cold blooded and selfish, not more worthy
of respect than Richard, But the bard
was greater than the historian, and as the
matchless pen of Shakespeare Ihas traced
the outlines of the third Richard, so must
he descend to remotest time, unwept, un-
honored, if not unsung. Mr.. Stark gives
great effect to the character He is the
iron Duke in all bis moods, whether sac.
trifcing his infant nephews or making love
over the coffin ofa slaughtered peer. The
dignity he throws into the last scene Of
Richard upholding a ruined, falling crown
as if the strength of a single arm could
avert the DEGREES of fate, is the fruit of a
careful study of the author, and we doubt
| if it could be surpassed.
Mrs. Stark, it is superfluous to say,
rendered most thrillingly the character Of
the Duckess of 7 York-one so difficult that
Shakespeare has often doubted if such
character could have existed in life.
The Earl Of Richmond was play ed by
Mr. Phelps, whose versatility is truly re-
markable. He gave the character with
excellent Judgment, and received his share
of applause.
Another of Shakspeare's plays was
brought out on Wednesday evening, the
Merchant of Venice shylock was play
ed By Mr.. Stark, and Portia by Mrs. Stark.
Both were worthy of all praise. Shaks-
pearc in this play gave bitter expression
to the opinion of his age of the prosecuted,
cunning race, that, banned by law, and
hated by society, yet made themselves
felt in commerce, and often the masters
of those who affected to despise them. We
deem this the most perfect of the authors
plays, if we except only Hamlet. The
prejudices of that age are dying out be-
fore advancing enlightment, but they will
always be understood in this great drama.
Bassanio by Mr.. Phelps, Anotonia by
Mr.. Wilder, Merissa by Mrs. Burrill, and
others of the supporting parts, were excel
lently performed, but the great length Of
this article will not allow more particu-
lar mention of them, or reference to the
other features of the week, save to say
that such pieces as the Roman Father,
London Assurance, &c., have been brought
out, together with laughable comedies, in
which the company excel, as well as in
"weightier: matters of the law"
Last night was the benefit of Mr.. A. r.
Phelps, when was brought the famous play
of Nose in New York, which had so great
a run in that city, and all through the
country. The original Nose was by Chan
frau who used to make pit and gallery ring
with his limitations Of the b'hoy fireman.
MIR. Phelps was greatly successful in the
character, and we doubt If anv ono can