The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-05-02
THE DRAMATIC FESTIVAL.
Views of the Critics as to the Merits
of the Opening Performance.
Inability of the Newspapers to Agree on tho
Quality of Murdoch's "Antony"-The
Barbecue Method.
JULIUS CESAR.
Opinions of the Critics on the Opening Per-
formance of the Festival.

lover of the drama could plunge and refresh
himself. 1t was a very remarkable presenta-
ton, and in many respects it has never been
surpassed; but in some particulars it was a
tiresome, dismal failure. Music Hall was
not built for playhouse, and last nights
experiment demonstrated beyond a doubt
that the drama cannot be successfully pre-
sented in Music Hall as at present construct
ed. 1t was almost impossible to hear the
unless Immediately in front of the stage. None
of the actors succeeded in making themselves
heard distinctly at all times. With the
same cast of characters, and half the stage
appoin tments used last night, the play could
be made an hundred fold more impressive
and effective in a hall one-half or one-third
of the size. Although it may be premature
at this early stage of the series of entertain
ments to risk an opinion, yet, for reasons
given above, it may safely be predicted that
this is the first and last dramatical festival
that will ever be given in Music Hail.
OF the twenty actors in the cast, not above
a half dozen deserve mention, and only a
portion of these merit praise. Mr.. Louis
James's presentation of Julius Caesar was
very creditable. He dressed the part WELL
his reading was excellent; his carriage lofty
and dignified, and every inch the naughty
Cesar. The entrance of Barrett and McCul-
Tough as Cassus and Brutus arm in arm,
was the signal for applause showing that
these two masters of the art of arts hold
high places in the esteem of the people.
Mr.. Barrett bore off the honors of
the evening. His conception of
the character of Cassius was a polished and
true picture of the crafty Roman. He was
in excellent voice and made himself more
satisfactorily heard than any of his associ-
ates, His soul seemed to catch an inspira-
ton from the great occasion, and he never
played the part better. Mr.. MCCULLOUGH
gave very creditable rendition of Brutus, but
it was not great one. His soul did not seem
to be in his work. He appeared to be acting
under protest. He was in bad voice, and
looked and acted like a sick man. He did
not do himself justice in the Grafton scene,
but excelled Murdoch in the same scene.
Mr. Barretts acting in laying the egg of the
conspiracy was very fine and he and Mr..
Mccullough were several times applauded,
and when the curtain fell were called forth
by hearty demonstration.
Mr.. Murdoch was a disappointment from
his first to his last appearance, and before
any but an audience at his own home he
would have Jared badly. His conception of
the character of Mark Antony is burlesque.
Antony was the handsomest man in Rome.
His great conceit was that he was descend
ant OF the god Bacchus, and he wore long,
flowing beard and combed his hair so as to
resemble as nearly as possible, the paintings
of the merry god of wine. --..-
Mr.. Murdoch dressed his Antony with a
smooth face, and wore a black wig, which
fitted so badly that it seemed to be on wrong
He completed the travesty of the great Ro-
man by appearing in a yellow tunic An
tony was co-consul with Caesar, and priv
ileged to wear the purple. On such a state
occasion as the feast they were celebrating
he would certainly wear the badge of his
high Office. Mr.. Murdoch's reading was fair
only, and he was surpassed by Mr.. c. +.
MoSley as TreboniuS and Mr. Charles Punk
ct as the Second Citizen. Mr.. Plunket de-
serves praise for his exceedingly fine rem
dition of the character assigned him. There
is not more fiery character among all the
offspring of ShakeSpeare's brain than An
tony, and yet Mr.. Murdoch's Antony was
tame to timdity. His speech over Caesars
corpse would have put ward meeting to
sleep and when he exposed the feet, instead
of the head of the corpse, the auditors, who
were trying to feel badly, burst into laugh
ter, and the most dramatic part of the play
was made ridiculous. Mr.. Murdoch may
have been an actor once, but his effort last
night demonstrates that he is not even a
hrst-clasS ruin. 1t was mistake for
the managers to assign him the role of
Antony, and at his time of life it pre-
sumption for him to essay the part. A
novice who could render the part no better
than Mr.. Murdoch did would not be toler-
ated. Antony was the son of an orator and
had the advantage-of the best schools of
eloquence in an age when Cicero lIveHl Yet
Mr. Murdnab'e iIao Of A n fn ha
that of rough, unlettered camp-follower
and n soldier who had no title to popular
favor except his courage and his sword. At
the end of the second act Mr.. Murdoch was
called before the curtain by an applause
that proceeded more from respect for the
man, and sympathy for his age, than from
enthusiasm excited by his talents or his act
ing He was called out twice, and the at
tempt was made to call him out again, but
1t was frozen to silence by some vigorous
kissing from those who were standing, and
who were evidently tired in there legs if not
in there minds. Before leaving Mr. MUIR
doch it might be added tnat there was not a
person on the stage whose ges lures were so
awkward or illtimed. He is either ignor-
ant or old age has robbed him of the graces
and poetry of motion.
ANOTHER CRITIC
Cincinnati News-Journal.
Mr.. Murdochs Antony was the remarka-
BILE part of the performance. 1t is an exact
ing part full of emotional opportunities,
and taxing to the strength of any actor.
That man who has turned seventy wears,
and who has Tor years been off the stage.
should have performed the part so success
fully was indeed marvellous. Mr.. Murdoch's
Antony was the most artistic the most schol-
arly acting of the performance. Antony is
throughout made an actor-a most
potent actor. but the audience
is led to feel rather than to see that he is an
actor, and it entirely forgets that Mr.. MUIR
cdoch impersonating the part is doing the act
ing. His first good scene is in the senate
chamber over Cesars body, and in this scene
Mr.. Murdoch completely set at rest all doubts
as to his ability to play the part. 1t was the