National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1881-01-12
LAST NIGHTS ADJUSTMENTS.
John Mccullough as OfheIIo-,Miss Ca
hOuH m Iulief-ss Daniel Rochal.o


h0un as Juliet" Daniel Roehat.'
"Othello" is one of the most intense in the
whole range of Shakspearean playssSo far as dra-
matte acting is concerned. 1t is play in which
the greatest of tragedians have loved to sppear,
and it affords more ample scope for powerful
emotion, for deep, passionate effect, than any
of the plays of the immortal bard. 1t has
always been questionable which was the lead
ing character, the Moor LdJo; Tut
the title role has been the one generally selected
and it was in that character that Mr.. John McCul-
Tough appeared at the National Theatre last night
Notwithstanding the binding snow, the audience
was one of which any actor might well have
been proud. both as to numbers and charac-
ter: 1t was noticeable that many of our best
citizens, those who rarely go to the thea
tire unless the attraction Is far greater
than is ordinarily offered, were present. ana their
close attention and discriminating and emphatic
applause showed that they were thoroughly
pleased. Mr.. Mccullough has ali the physical at
tributes necessary TO the proper impersonatlon OF
the MOOT-tall well-formed, with noble presence
and graceful carriage he looks the staWart brave,
and intrepid warrior while his voice rich in nusl-
cal tone, most carefully mOdulnted, and
under perfect control, would WOO maiden less
susceptible than the gentle DesdemoRa. There Is
throughout his entire performance an evidence oil
contained and reserved power which makes one
feel perfectly safe that there is to be no attempt to
do more than can be correctly and carefully per-
formed. The tendency in 0tiepO is to Oyerstep
the proper bounds of nature and in the more I'M
FASHIONED scenes 70 rant and tear passion TO
Win DIT. llhpcISOlIutlOiAS
there is nothing of the kind; no mounting, no
rant, no Stilted invectiVe purely theatric pas
sion.
In the scene before the Senate in which OitedO
tells the story of his wooig, the lines are deliy
cred with calm and digniiied eloquence perfectly
in harmony With what we believe TO have been
Shakspeares conception of The character, and
ut its conclusion he rewarded with weli-mer-
tied applause In the later acts, when, torn by
Jealousy and yet heSitating to believe the lovely
Desdem0nd false, ne calls upon IGg0 for proof Mr..
McCulloughs acting has not the savage wildncSS
that SalviUi shows, but rather the anguish,
the despair at being thus deceived, and the
determination to know the worst and
then avenge his injured honor as a matter of duty,
and not merely from the desire 10 kill. His whole
assumption is one which is perfectly symmetrical
and harmonious. and 10 our way of thinking Otheio
is one OfNIr. McCullOugh'S Misrepresentation. He
ably supported: and right here it may be said
that the wisdom shown in selecting the company
is TO be highly commended. Mr. F. B. WardeS
lego was fine impersonatiun, and i'll certain
scenes he fairly divided the hOnors with the star.
Miss Kate ForSythe made Il charming DeSdemonG,
investing the character with all the purity, limo
cence and loyalty that il required and her efforts
were fully appreciated and warmly applauded.
The CASSIE of Mr.. John 4. Lane and the ROsierigD
OF Mr.. H. 4. LangdOn were well rendered, and the
same is true of the EH3Rid of Mrs Augusta Foster.
Tonight Mr.. Mccullough will appear as ktRg
LcIF.