The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1886-10-14
MIR. WILSON BARRETT,
the NEW ENGLISH TRAGEDIAN,
MAX ES HIS
First ApPea rance In New York and
Captures the Critics and
the Public.

NEW YoRK, October IS. The Tribune,
in its criticism of Wilson Barretts
."Olaudian," says: To the eye, to the
ear, to the Imagination, there is some
thing in his presence, in his voics, in
his fine reserve aud stately demeanor,
that shows the ideal TO be in full pos
session Of him body aud soul. This
is the intrinsic worth OF the perform
ance, and by this it ought to be meas
ured and estimated; not go much by
its executive ability as by its indica-
tive spiritual significance; not so much
by what 1t shows Of the actors tech
meal art % by what 1t proves OF his
individual dramatic nature. The
world IL not much concerned, il at ell,
with mere professional skill. An
actor whose influence does not radiate
beyond the limit which circumscrlbes
the effect of artistic proficiency can
impart nothing of fplr.tual value
neither illumination, nor help,
nor comfort to other human souls.
Those who see Wilson Ba rett IS
"Claudian," and who comprehend the
work, are made higher, purer Al d bet
ter Tor their experience OF it; arc this
result supplies sure test OF merit,
upon which both actor and suditor
may securely rely. Thus far 1t is
work OF solid aud sterling value. The
attributes in which it is deficient ara
weirdness and pathos. An Immortality
OF misery should write record on the
ravaged face and figurs such as cannot
be put into words, should sublima!e
the whole man, and should make him
all the more mystical and pathetic
because entwined with an Immortality
of youth. This actor is seemingly de-
ficient in genuine appreciation of the
supernatural and in really profound
knowledge OF sorrow. As already pre-
missd, the foremost attribute Of Will
son Barret's acting Is simplicity, and
yet 1t is not easy either to define its
distinctive character or to specify is
charm. Every successful actor neces-
sarily Possesses certain individual
facilities and qualities which have &C.
complished bis succese. This TRACE
dian has develop 'd-partly by natural
growth in a cougenial direction and
party under the Influence OF an ps-
thelic psganism existent In London
along the line q physical nervousness
in d amatic art, This, apparently, is
what he represents, and in this he
exOels. Possessed Of q robust, SYM
metrical, commanding figure. a strong
Roman head, deep toned, incisive,
penetrating voice, an invetera'e power
Of will, the unconscious self poise and
slow delibeia,eneys Of robust g rength,
an impetu 9us spirit strongly tending to
the enjoyment OF exhuberant life, yet
curbsd by that sense OF beauty which
revolt Is at extrsvagapce and excess,
and refined by human gentleness, he
iS type and model of these attributes
which are admirable in Greek and
Roman art, and he brings to tie pro-
fesdoa OF the stage every equipment
which is essential for the illustration
OF classical subjects. The aspect and
the personality Of him the moment he
steps uren the scene at once and
fully explain his success.in "Olsudien"
but the acceptance that he has gained
in all othsr Tersonations. He is the
outcome of the revolt against ascot.
ism and excessive intellectually in
art, and as such he is reiIesbment
and delight TO multitude Of the
votAriCs OF the stage.