Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-01-19
ADJUSTMENTS.
Julius Cesar.

Calphurn1a, wife of Caesar. Miss Minnie Monk
MIR. Barrett and his excellent company ap-
peared at Leubrie's last night in Shakes
Peare's tragedy, Julius Caesar, before another
large audience. Mr. Barrett's "Cassius" is
acknowledged by all to be the embodiment
of Shakespeare's subtitle and malignant but
in many respects noble Roman. In the play
OF Julius Cesar it is readily perceptible that
the intellect of "Casgius," which loves
devious ways, is much more predominant
than that of any Of the other conspirators.
The great drama,ist has endowed him with
discriminating intellect, a suspicious nature
and petulant sense Of honor. He is seen
at once TO be far more astute than his friend
"Brutus," but lacking in the concentra ted
personal unselfshness which characterized
that coDspirator. The personal jealousy Of
"Cssslus" has been nicely arTaigned BY
Shakespeare alongside the mistaken
but disinterested patriotism of "Brutus."
The result is two well defined
characters. Mr.. Barretts conception OF
the part of "Cassius" has long since been
accepted as unapproachable on the Ameri-
can st,ge. To intellectual roles the tragedian
is probably better suited than to the brawl
and roar OF martial parts. His "Cassius'' is
rightly classsd with Booths "Isgo," Salvini's
"Othelloo and McCullough's "Virginius."
II Is conclusive evidence of the painstakiug,
conscientious artist. At the same time there
is no question but that the genu-
inc Thespisn fame burns in the
very veins of Lawrence Barrett. But WHY
elaborate? Ii would be hard to say any.
thing that has not already been said OF an
accredited ideal performance. 1t is with
peculiar pleasure that the APPEAL feels
called upon 10 speak word of praise
in behalf Of Mr.. Louis James, "Bru.
tus." The writer has had occasion
TO study this actor in this part,
and he does not hesitate to pro-
nouncs him the best "Brulus" he
has ever seen. Mr.. james is in
finitely more than clever actor; he has
clear.cut individuality, versatile ability
and fine mastery of The power 10 paint
time bring him into the plane OF a star, and
this is paihos. AS "John Strobeef" in the
Banker's Daughter, he never had an equal,
and his touching acting will never
be forgotten by those who saw him in the
part. There is in his "Brutus" this same
deity pathetic tinge. The heart, the pa.
triotic fire, the manly tenderness, the fixed
resolve, the sublime superiority to self, are
all admirably set in panorama by this COM
petent actor. The APPEAL writer gees in
Mr.. James's "Brutusn distinct and
living representation deserving OF the high
est praise. His cap will soon be full
of feathers. Miss Marie wainwright was an
ideal "Portia" The beautiful scene be.
tween "Brutus" and "Cassius" must have
filed even Shakespeare's fancy. 1t was
simply idyllc. Mr.. f. c. Mosley was an ex-
celleut "Julius Cesar" Mr.. Oils Skinner an
unusually COED "Msrc Anthony" His de-
livery OF the Grafton over "Caaar's" body was
masterpiece of defamation aud artistic
acting. Two recalls before the curtain were
evidence that the audience appreciated his
spirited and enjoyable acting. Miss Minnie
Monk was acceptable as "Calphurnia." Miss
Addie Plunkett made much more than usual
OF the part of "Lucius." In the tent scene
with "Brutus" her singing was very sweet
and pretty. Miss Josie Batchelder was all
that could be wished for as "Serv1us."
The performance was in every respect a
model one. With the characters of "Cas-
sius," "Brutus," "Cesar," Snare Anthony"
and "Portia" filed by such capable people
it could not have been otherwise. Tonight
Mr.. Barrett will give his original imperson-
alton of "Shylock and his very enjoyable
role of "David Garrick."