The Sunday morning news. [volume] (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1886-1891, 1889-12-15
TEE Stage.
An Interesting Discussion
as to What Actors
Really Feel.
MISS MARIE HUBERT FRoHMAN.
Engagements at the Academy and
Jacobs Notes About the
Players and Plays.

How truly does the actor feel the emo
tions which he depicts? 1t is a question
that is always interesting to the theatre
goer, and though it has been answered in
many ways and with columns Of discus
sion still there is much to be said upon
the subject, for the truth is that no two
actors enter into the characters which
they represent with equal abandonment
of self. There is no doubt q fine grada-
ton between the actor who sheds real
tears and he who is moved but little at
the portrayal of the intensest suffering.
And yet | can hardly believe that Law
renee Barrett is right when he says that
he does not feel at all the emotions which
he endeayorS to express. Though have
always regarded Mr.. Barrett as more elo-
cutionist than actor, he certainly appears
to rise in certain scenes to heights which
one would think to be beyond mere
cold art.
A writer in the Epoch recently dis
cussed this subject, and obtained Mr..
Barrett's view as | have quoted it. The
writer goes on to say
"The actor must have gone through
many and varied experiences, he must
have felt much, thought much, enjoyed
when he is exhibiting these emotions on
the stage he must be calm, clear, col
lected, he must watch the eject of his
words upon the audience, he must know
where he is and what he is about"
That an actor should watch the effect
of his words upon an audience with a
view to obtaining from one lines re-
ception a guide to the rendition of the
next, is certainly ridiculous view of the
art. Any actor with q conscience will
have so studied his part as to make it
unit in his mind. If he begins TO change
his rendition the whole is lost. He may
gain from cordiulity or GOODNESS certain
guide for a re-study, but he would be q
poor creature of the public If he would
walk upon the stage between the leading
strings OF his hearers.
Wilson B8rrett's view is wholly differ
emit from LaWrence's. ~ throw myself
into my parts with enthusiasm, with
passion, he says. For the moment l
merge my own individuality into theirs.
/ am no longer Wilson Barrett; | am
Chatterton, | am Hamlet, am Clito.
why, when ! was playing Chatter
ton Il had carefully studied all the effects
of starvation and of arsenical poison) do
you know that behind the scenes | eX-
perienced all the physical symptoms, the
sickness thatwould follow dose of the
poison? After acting the part, the illusion
so powerfully dominated my body
through my mind that had to cross the
street when | came near a restaurant for
fear the odors might sicken me-"
This is as far in the ojher end of the
subject; and is no doubt an eXaggeration;
but yet, anyone who sees Wilson Barrett
will recognize the fact that he Identifies
himself closely with the character.
IN this connection story OF the great
est genius now upon the stage may be of
interest. 1t is said that SalEinil insists
that q different actress must be furnished
to, play his daughter and his wife. 10 the
woman he plays the part of either lover
or husband he will play no other. He de-
clares that it revolts his sense of decency
TO act q lover to woman one night and
q father or brother on the next; that
when he acts Othello to Desdemona, for
the time being he loves her madly and
the impression remaining on his mind is
so strong that he cannot simulate any
other emotion to her.
Surely the most forceful of actors must
enter fully into the role and the play it.
self when he can recognize such dis
tinction as this.
The Academy's Attractions.
Marie Hubert Frohman, an accom-
plished actress, who, under the manage
ment of Gustave Frohman, has won
unmistakable favor, will be the attrac-
ton at the Academy Of Music for three
nights, commencing Monday evening
next. A double bill will be presented -
king Rene's Daughter" and "False
Charms. q The former is from the
Danish, by Henrik Herr, and the story is
this:AA bitter feud between the Dukes of
Burgundy and King Rene had been set
tied by the engagement of the latter
infant daughter, Iolanthe, to Tristan de
VaudemOpt, then mere child. I0lanthe
becomes blind, but the fact is kept a pro
found secret, and she is brought up in Il
secluded retreat in the mountains Of
Vaucluse and so carefully guarded by
the loving care of her father and of a few
trusty attendants that she grows up in
utter and blissful ignorance OF her depri-
walton.
Vaudemont having attained mans
estate, and being on his way to King
Rene, accidentally discovers the Prin-
name and birth becomes so deeply
enamored that he vows no other woman
shall ever be his wife, and writes to the
King breaking his engagement, and re-
signing, as q forfeit, all his claims to the
province of Lorraine. Through him
Iolantne first learns that she is blind ana
this on the very day set apart by a cele-
brated leach and astrologist from Cor
dova for the possible restoration of her
sight.
The operation proves successful, and
Iolanthe is suddenly introduced to ''this
wondrOus world of light" Of which she
has just been made conscious. Her feel
ings of mingled awe, joy and bewildered
terror as the light breaks upon her, and
her emotions at the sight of her beloved
father and of the young lover whose
voice and presence have enchanted her
are intensely dramatic.
"False Charms which follows king
Rene's Daughter" is brilliant comedy,
by Philip Hamilton, and in the leading
character, French maid, Mrs. Erohlnan
has an opportunity to exhibit her pc
culiar versatility, of which she is not
slow to avail herself. A number of the
atre parties will attend the performance
Monday evening from New York.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday and
Saturday matinee comes j. X. Emmett,
the great Fritz, in his latest play, Uncle
Joe; or, Fritz in MadhOuse." The piay
ran three months at the Fourteenth
Street Theatre, New York Fritz is at
traction enough in his own person. but he
brings others with him. He has an excel
lent company and the great Plinlimmon
his IS, 900 st. Bernard dog. Plinlimmon
is a wonder and delight.
Uncle Joe" besides its New York sue
cess, has made great record wherever it
has been played on the circuit. Mr.
Emmett has lost none Of his old time vocal
power. He win sing some of the old