Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1870-04-29
THE CITY.

MEMPHIS THEATER-" KATHLEEN MA
youRNEEy." = Tonight Mr.. and Mrs.
Watkins will appear in the charming
Irish drama of Kathleen Mavourneen "
at the Memphis Theater of this drama
and the performances of Mr.. and Mrs
Watkins in it, the Dublin Express pub
lished the following criticism
Kathleen Mavourneen," a new Irish
drama, was produced, for the first time
in Dublin, at this popular establishment
and achieved a well-deserved success.
As regards representation, domestic
drama to our mind, takes precedence Of
every other form of dramatic literature,
for. although it has been avoided by the
great ceninses whose brilliant compost
tons have added luster to the stage, still
for the successful production of do
nestle play, it requires not only high
order of talent, but thorough knowi-
edge of dramatic effect in the choice OF
situations, keen appreciation of every
day life-that life ever visible from the
cradle to the grave-and command OF
language that shall be at once forcible
and simple. For subjects, our own
Green Isle is most prolific. Beyond all
other people, the Irish race exhibit
that happy blending of wit and pathos
which take such q hold upon the
popular heart, and when portrayed by
actors who have hearts to feel and souls
to express the sentiments of their author
finds ready response in the sympathief
= n
taking some favorite drama as thell
standard, and everything which falls
short of their beau-ideal is condemned
This course we consider wrong, anC
shall, therefore avoid it. Kathleen Ma
vourneen can stand upon its own merits
which are of very high order. As t.
Mr.. and Mrs Watkins, we are free Il
confess that we visited the Theater Roya
last night with feelings of regret-regre
that the artists who had made so favorable
an impression in their own special-ies
should thus hazard their own popularit.
by essaying the difficult task of render
ing Irish characters to the satisfaction o
an audience composed entirely of Irish
men. However, judging by the generou
reception that greeted both MIR. Wat
I.ins and his lady on their entree
it was evident that the large as
semblage had determined TO be indul
gent for all shortcomings and befor,
the first act had terminated all our fear
had vanished, and we were satisfied tina
the favorites would emerge triumpban
from the ordeal-as the sequel proved
We never heard a more enthusiastic re
call than that which followed thu
dropping of the curtain on Kathleen
Mavourneen In a modest and well
turned speech, Mr. Watkins feelingl,
alluded to the kindness he had expe
rienced during tour of Ireland, bu
while seeking to apologize for an Ameri
can tongue trying to turn an Iris
brogue, he was interrupted by a stento
rian voice from the gallery, shouting
.Niver mind yer brogue-you re the mex
best thing to an Irishman any how
This was received by a tornado of al
plause, during which Mr. W, Statistic
by such an Endorsement of his 'temerity
pantomimed his thanks and retired w
have not time at present to refer a
length to the acting, but must conteu
ourselves with merely stating what ever
body who was present knows, that Mr.,
Watkins played the heroine most charm
ingly. investing it with all the archnes
simplicity and feeling which so ehara'
terizes this lady's extremely natur'
style Of acting. Her rendering Of th
beautiful ballad from which the dram
takes its name was a gem in itself, an
fully merited the hearty encore 1t r
ceived. OF Mr. Watkins it is only neee
sary 10 record that his acting Of TerenC
was worthy the applause it elected froi
a crowded audience. To our readers "
would say, if you wish to enjoy a super
drama, superbly acted, go and see NJ
and Mrs. Watkins in Kathleen Mayou
neen.