New-York tribune., 1876-03-13

him and Salvini shall be this Salvini brought out
strongly-sometimes repulsively-the sensual quail
ties which Ohello certainly possessed Irving brings
ont strongly the iutr0spective sefconscious purely
intellectual qualities which Otei'o certainly dd not
possess II il failing which leans to virtues side
and is TO say the least of it, full of promise for the
future.
Iattribnte let me repeat, TO physical cause most
of tho defects in Mr.. Irvings acting of Otheito' III
his conception had been ever so just, he could not
have done Justice to it. He is capable OF great
tenderness but he showed little to Desdemond. lie
was no more lOver-ke than soldier-lke The violence
Of which we saw so much was due to lack OF sus-
tanned strength, as violence usually H. In such
circumstances criticism seems harsh, but the puphc
has only to do with what it sees, and an opinion
must be given on what Mr.. Irving does, not on what
ne might do. There are signs of disposition IN
soma ouarters TO resent criticism on Mr. irving
which would be deplorable if he shared the feehng-
IA am sure he does notof his too Jealous friends
II is not poppy nor mandragora to MEDICINE
him TO sweet sleep-nOt oyer-pTaise nor re-
Lease from censure which will advance IN
actors. career. or even I'LL the treasury OF
a theater. Mr. Irving is man OF the world, ana
knows il. The actor however, like the painter. Is
ant to underIate all opinion which IS not pro-
fessonal forgetting that he constantly appeals 10
A public which rs not professional, yet by whose
indgment he must in the end stand or fall. Mt
Iryings Otkello would have been worthier oil ms
great powers had he paid more heed to the geheral
criticism on his Macbeth. If his Othoito should hot
have a long run, he need not regard that as MIS-
fortune. He will play it all the better some day
It's probsblc enough, however that the play will
keep the stage for some weeks. There Is a large
public winch, whatever is said, wants to SEQ Dir.
OBJ n+p bp
the hope Of he English stage, the only artist among
lis trsped.aus If he caHn0t, or will not, play
Shakespeare there is nobody who can. lie has
brought back TO the theater many who hal quilted
it in despsr OF seeing again its boards anything
ike genius and culture. That Mr. Irving possesses
genius and culture nobody disputes; II Is the use ne
makes in particular characters Of his rare and
nrecious aifts which criticism calls III question, as
now.
Nor Mr. Irying's performance the only attraction
in OIsllo rs given az the Lyceam. lie has sup.riG
tended the production of the play, and it has prob
ably never been so well done in all essential respects
The scenery and costumes were accurate and gor-
geons Nj. irving discarded the turban and MOORISH
raiment wholly, and appeared in half dozen dii-
ferent Venetian dresses rich in Stu!s and color Ihe
liberality and good taste Of the management Wcrc
the more remarkable because no expectations bad
been raised. Mr.. Forester an unknown actor,
played Iago with vigor and freedom from CONVEX
tionality that mark him ont for distinction. His art
lack, finish but not force. Mrs Groves Emilia
was a revelation and ought to be q lesson 10 En-
clish actors aud actresses. She made conpara-
lively unimportant part important by he's acting oi
it, Her power and passion were admirable, and her
ringing sentences and energetic gesture electrified
the house Miss Isabel Bateuan is gentle and
graceful Desdeaoaa, who pitches her voice in TOO
high key. and gives too rueful air to the fresh
young Venetian girl. The delioacy with which the
part is played viii be all the better for the buoyancy
aud freedom which experience ought soon 10 o!ing.
o. W. S.