The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-02-17
MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC.
The Irish Drama nj the walnut

Iho Irish Drama Rt the walnut,
The Irsh drama is phenomenon outside OF
all rules, and which cannot be measured by
any known standard OF taste; IL is neither
naturo nor art, but must be assigned 20 q sort
Oh critical limbo, to be suspended, like Ma
nomets oofiin, between heaven and earth, but
belonging to neither. But, despite this anoma'
lous position, the irish drama is great in tue
estimation of q very large portion OF the play
going public, and Barney Williams is It's
prophet, The recognized Interpreter OF It's
mysteries, he is a mystery himself; for IN the
ordinary acceptatioa OF the term he certainly
cannot be called q good actor, and IL Is even
denied that he is an actor at all. We are
scarcely willing TO go SO far as that,
but II is certain that the Irishman
a. portrayed by Mr.. WiliIsms Is a creature
neither of the earth nor tue heavens above the
earth; nor the waters under the earth, but he
belongs exclusively and entirely 10 tine Irish
drama Sometimes Indeed, thore does arise
an actor like the late John Drew, who, by
mingling Of passion, humor, and pathos, and
touch or two of that nature that makes the
whole world kin, almost begulles us into the
belief that this style of entertainment must
have its as signabe place in the world of art but
such exceptions are so exceedingly rare that
they must be accounted as mere eCcentricltles
OF individual genius and Rs proofs OF the cor
reotness of the rule which we have stated.
ireland as ID Vas. the piece which formed
the staple of the entertaInment last evening a.
the Walnut, is q fair specimen of the Irish
drama. The colors are laid on too thick for us
10 give an entire assent to the assumed correct
ness OF the portrsiture OF Irish peasant life
as 1t really is. and 1t is difficult for any
impartial Judgment To accept the stage Irish
man without some reserve. Ia the piece now
on the boards at the Walnut, however, the in
felioities are so felicitous that the dram ltist
may we'll be forgiven for having utterly ignored
all extraneous considerations in accomplishing
his purpose OF progressing onwards to the end
In view without stepping for one moment to
inquire, "Can such things be?" The second act
Of ireland As IL Wds is perfect study
of impossibilities. Judy O'Trop hides be-
hind O screen, and listens TO conference
between "Mr. Stone," the vlllatnous agent. and
his accomplice. "stone" takes out OF the chest
n pair of pistols and q bundle of papers, and
places them on the table, his accomplice gazing
steadily at "Judys" head peeping over the
screen during the whole Of the operation. NOT
wIthstanding this, the Villains renew tnelr
conversation, and the lady coolly comes out
from her hiding place. Seats hersef on
the edge OF the chest in full view, and then
walks leisurely across the room and obtains
possession of the papers and pistols without
molestation. She then whacks the agent over
the head with shillelah and when he very
shrewdly guesses that there must be somebody
behind the screen, she slips into the chest
without being seen. Ragged Pat' Is then
brought in bucked, and while he Is con-
versing with ''Stone," Judy" looseps his
cords and hands him a pistol, which
he presents to the ast0nished agents breast.
Shakespeare Informs us that "the prosperity
of Jest lies in the ear OF him that hears It,"
but author and actors in this scene are alike
careful that there shall be no rnisspprehension
IS to Where the laugh comes In, and the eye
and ear that can fail to take in the points OF
this delightful situation must belong to
one OF sydney Smiths ideal Scotch
men who requires to be trepanned bo-
fore he can be made to comprehend a joke.
In the irish drama there is always plenty OF
weeping and wailing and gnashtng of teeth
and what is Intended for sentiment cannot, by
any stretch of good nature, be accounted any
thing but maudlin. The thineis popular, how.
ever-more SO than the most startling sensa-
lions that managerial ingenuity can devise.
Mr.and Mrs Williams ate reputed 70 be the most
attractive stars before the public, and In this
oitv. MT least, the theatre is crowded to It's
utmost capacity every night whenever they
nlav an engagement. Like the mysteries Of
the azoic age, 1t cannot altogether be &C
counted for by any known principles OF sci
suce. philosophy, or art; but after science and
nhilosophy have exhausted their resources,
the hard facts of the Irish drama and the lu.
comprehensible Irishman of Mr.. Williams re-
main lust where we found them, as great puz-
2les as ever.
The City Amasem ents.