New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-02-05
MODJESKA.
HER ADVICE TO YOUNG ACTRESSES.


Il have not vet decided what my movements will he
next season." said Nine Modieska. II the political
horizon u Europe is clear shall probably make tour
there, but fear that war is likely Should that occur
my husband and will possibly stay in California We
are interested ranch there and are both very fond
OF the glorious climate In any event do not think
shall play next season. am beginning to feel that am
entitled 10 rest and am very very tired OF trav
cling There is possible artistic satisfaction In such
q life and with the desire have to gre my plays as
well as possible there is not profit enough really to COM
pensate for the labor and annoyances We have com
PAM this season OF twenty people and play many
Shakesperean pieces In such reperOry every actor
and actress is not always available Some are good In
certain parts and would not be In others. Now the
ordinary speculative manager wonld manage 10 get
along with considerably fewer people whom lie wonld
put into every play regardless OF TIE result 10 the per
formance And / am bound to say that commercially
he would be right. The general public In the country
are not attracted by the allrOnnd excellence or an
organization. They to see the star and the sup
port counts for very little. My business has been quito
as good with the poorest company have had as with
the best When have been managed by business men
the salary list has been week less than it
is now That saved is OF course very consider
able profit But feel cannot do myself justice unless
my surroundings in measure satisfy me. should
be very glad to play for few months in New York with
a good stock ccmpany but II that Is not 10 DE done
think shall take a holiday.
as there any possibility of the formation of such
company"
Il fear not wealthy Lady here moved by the same
taste for the stage Mrs Thurber has for music spoke
to my husband and myself about the foundation of
theatre modified after the plan of the Coincide Fran
eaise Count Bozenta told her that the building would
cost at least S5OOO0O and that the institution should
have an endowment OF $l,000,000. And what would
be the profit she asked When told that for the first
five years the loss might be at the rate OF 100000
year. and that after that time small profits might per-
| f1r loss Sastc
What do you think, Madame, Is the outlook for the
stage here ."
For the higher class of drama decidedly not very
encouraging. So long you the drama written
about and thought about under the head of anusc-
nents 1t will take any very high rank When 1t
Is reited and receives the Same aid and en-
couragemen extended to other arts then 1t VIII
attain the position it ought to have"
"The Young American actress who has aspirations
toward the highest class of drama has no chance of
schooling with the exception of yourself as model
said the reporter Wlll you klndy say now YOU thihk
such girl should studyi"
Books will not help her very much mean books
anaze and dssect the plays aud characters OF the
great dramatists Helen Faucts lady Martini account
of her studies OF Shakesperean roles Is the most inter
estng and perhaps the really helpful But must
confess that believe that she did not nave thls
thorough and delightful insight into the characters TIL
long after she had played and as 1t were grown into
them And though much Of the business she suggests
extremely ingenious and delicate, think go,d deal or
1t would not be dramatically effective George Lcwess
Actors and the Art of Acting contains some valuable
suggestions AMI many interesting "reminiscences. But
let OF the ordinary commentator and essayst
who is doubtless extremely ceverthe only trouble Is
that he clever and finds subtletes and hidden
meanings that Shakespeare never dreamed or The great
beauty OF Shakespeare is his simplicity and inellgi
biity OF lere is occasional phrase AMI word
that may require explanation, but aude to the CHAR
acters They easily understood and you always find
the key in the play. Take. for instance, kosalnd
Some people to think that she should be rough and
bosterou. They cannot surely remember the words in
the first act of the Duke: