New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-10-24
THE " OCTOROON" At THE HTNTER
GARDEN.


The revival Of the Octoroou" nj this time was
happy idea 1t lie the only earnest and, at the same
time, the only excellent drama America has suggest.
ed IL will preserve the name Of Bouclcault among
the best annals of our stage When the country is
torn by the natural storms that follow the dark sins
of all national as of all individual life, il would be
strange if any loyal American heart refused the Bit
ter lesson it teaches. II is plain argument to man
and nature against the unholiness Of Slavery. Those
who run may read. Little logic is needed where
facts that rome deny arc frighful in their conse-
qucnces. II may be that rghtful scorn lie meted TO
the absnrb Abolitionist with which Miss Laura
Keene espouscs the cause Of Liberty but there is a
stern pathos in the attitude of the OctOroon," and a
deep and burning satire in the little pride and joy Of
the others who are sold away, which sink TO the
depths Of the SOUL and strike the rock that orcnm'
stances have hardened until il pours forth torrent
Of indignation. If the theater ever deserved TO be
esteemed great apostle it is now when its talents
plead the cause Of Justice and if the end Of tho art,
which is to hold the mirror up to nature were ever
realized it ID in this close study Of affairs and princi-
pies which have much to do with the destiny of
the world How deity the author has done his
work, with what precision he leads along the pur-
nose through light and shadowy scenes how perfect
ly he adjusts the scales for the faresi weighing OF
the case how the rarest skill is shown in the Sim
pcity that breathes through every incident and the
real majesty of the retributiye climaxes many New
York play.goers are aware but perhaps it would
need such an experience as that Of last night at the
Winter Garden, when "A crowded house was SPELL
bound with interest, rebuked all interruptions, and
la1 hos Loo IN taa
to convince them that the wonderful power Of the
drama 10 lasting, ard real human joys and suf-
fernes We shall be surprised if all the old excite
ment is not revived and in view OF this probability,
Il is gratifying to note the unusual merit OF the pro-
duction. The Winter Garden redeems itself by q
representation which is ieicitous in the smallest de-
tails, and which, even on the first night, showed an
almost perfectly smooth surface.
The presence of Mr. j. S. Clarke gave rise TO the
revival, and is extraordinary aid 10 s success.
II ID perhaps not too high praise to say that he gave
in the delncation of Satem Seudder the first broad
viey Of the tougher American character, and ineon-
testably proved his right TO be ranked higher than
the mere farcorrr We always find him an absorbed
artist and have to admire ia his style the most liberal
allowance Of the qualities we most esteem. The
'-~N -
feeling ia always papsble by its depth and not by its
force, was conspicuous excellence. We are divided
in admiration between Miss Ada Clifton and Miss
Fanny Brown. Tae one as the Octoroon, the other
as Dora sunuyside, acted with remarkable spirit,
and thoroughly gained their points. Miss Clifton
has certainly done nathing better, and Miss Brown
wins capital place in public esteem. The part of
Wah-no-tee, the Indian, was in the hands of Mr.
Harry Pearon, whose a,ting in the great photo
graphic scene rose to an extng point, and was con-
sstent throughout with the nature Of the race Mrs
G. Soddart disappeared too soon for the pleasure Of
the audience, but stern fate carried OIL the boy Paui
when his ways were just beginning to win the heart
of the audience. Mr. c. Walcot, r., gave an uneer-
tain performance of the old negro, which was made
80 striking before by Mr.. Jameson. His motion was
galvanic but youth might easily account for that,
and he really threw good deal of expression into
the more &C rious business We are glad to give such
general praise. No play Of the season has been bet
ter acted-poue bas half the interest of & The
OetoroOn."