The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-04-28
The Actors and the Play.

The presentation of "Othello,p with the title
role and that master of villainy Iago sustained
by two such actors as Barrett and Booth is Civ
ing the elegance of dramatic art in its highest
limit Their appearing together is event
which revives recollections and readings of q
time when the best school of acting held popular
favor and the stage was well filed with artists,
which cannot be said OF 1t to-day, while the
musical sketch, melodrama an light comedy
draw at the expense Of the better productions.
But it is dificult to underline Booth or Bar
rett. While both are comparatively young
they belong equally to the old and new school,
and hence save the past glories of the stage by
bringing to mind the times when art
riched by the elder Booth, Forrest and others
OF like magnitude. Mccullough gone, no ex-
poneuts OF the best dramatic arr remain but
these two, unless the talent OF Keene is en-
riched enough in time to give him place with
them. Yet artist has become such a common
term that it would seem the race of genuses
would never die. Take Booth and Barrett from
the stage. though, and the Shakspearian school
would be influenced by Grove of inferior
actors. seeking position from which they are
now excluded by the genius of those two men.
The audience last night was BETTING their
pre-eminence and just tribute to their great
portrayals. ''Othello" is difficult to cast and in
the general course OF presentations suffers either
in the weakness shown in the title-character or
in the drag of an inferior Iago But with Booth
and Barrett all conditions are filed. whether
1ago or the Moor falls to the latter or to Booth,
In either order Barrett may not complete the
ideal OtheIlo in the fulIness OF savage jealousy
which the popular conception attaches to the
character. but once ont OF the rigid method
which marks all his acting he rises
TO height which only tew
Of the great Interpreters OF this role have
attained. Othello a. the lover he holds closely
to an intellectual rather than 20 a natural con-
ception, but when the villainy of Iago begins to
play upon him. and the savage nature of the
man is tortured by doubt, the student disap-
pears and the actor comes forth with all the
power OF his genius. 1t is then that Barretts
Moor begins TO develop grandeur in the awful
hate Of outraged love- Forrest was rugged and
fierce. Mccullough added splendid physique and
powerful naturalness, but Barrett unfolds the
genteness of the Moor with an almost too deli
cate coloring that brings in stronger contrast
scholar and more the actor his Oshello would
be unsurpassed. But it impressed the audience,
the applause from which was both generous
OF Booths Iago there is but one thing to say
It WAS the perfection Of art. the supremacy of
villainy. aud no opposite to Barrets could so fill
in the lines to make the conceptions of two parts
blend in a completeness of action. Iago with
Booth is not the villain others who have at
tempted the part make him. He brightens the
ambitious and envious knave with touch OF the
registering blade, ard in the incidental play so
artistically evolves the minor phases that one is
at a loss which 70 admire most. the conception
make up the fuilness of the portrayal.
AS Iago Booth is pre-eminent and the effect of
his acting Was noticeable througtout the even
ing by the applause that marked many Of the
best phases. The supporting company has been
chosen with particular care, giving particularly
to the cast . good Cassie in John A. Lane and
beautiful Desdemoua In Miss Minna X. Gale.
At the matinee this afternoon Messrs Booth
and Barrett will appear in ShaksosAre's noble
tragedy. king Lear Mr.. Booth assuming the
title role and Mr.. BarreEt playing Edgar. There
are as good seats as are in the horse yet on sale
for this performance. Tonight the engagements
will conclude with Julius Caesar" which will
DO q spectacular production. with special scenery
and costumes Admission tickets FOR both these
performances will be sold At so cents gallery,
IS cents family circle) and 81 lover foorl.