The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-11-20
ADJUSTMENTS.
Mr. Kesns NJ RAchelaeu.
Il bold tho world but u tho world, 6ratiane;
4 staGo where every man must play . Fart;
And minc . sad onc.'

Mr. Kesns ~ RaohelAeu.
4 hold tho world bat u the world, Hratiane;
4 stasc wherc'every man must play paxt;
| And minc rad ono."
Merchant of venico.
Tho part played by Richelieu in the
drama Of the middle ssventeenth century
was both sad ono and one Of overshadow-
ing Importance, nit only to France, but 10
history. Weak Louis XIII. was on the
throne. intrigues were rife in court and
church. Ambition, BY which sin tho angels
fell, lured many men to venture into enter
prises chimerioal and dangerous, and the
weak character Of the king gave them coun-
tenanoe and hope Of success. Monarchies
were tottering. One strong mind and will
indomitable prevented the wreck of nations
! and chaos almost universal. That mind,
that will. were those Of Cardinal Richalisu,
prime minister Of the king OF Franco. Time
was ripo for heroic character. As in other
crises, the man appeared. He
was Richelieu. His position in
tho foreground Of tho diplomatic drama
was earned By years ct tss study
nonenal and the faculty Of discerning men
as few before or since. The Richelieu OF
history and OF Bulwer WAS man Of over
shadowing intellectually, absorbing love
for France, fidelity to his king and ambi-
is not more cslas, the gulf stream not moro
irresistible.
One holding such an estimate Of the char
aoter and personality Of the cardinal king
co uld not but BIO somewhat disappointed in
Mr.. Thomas Keenc's lmpersonation of the
part at Ming's last night. Mr.. Kecne's
Richelieu is that Of an unrostrained, vehe-
ment, ranting minister, whose passion 10
rage, whose anger is fury, whose ambitions
are master Of the mind. The oyerawinG in
tellect of the historic Richelisu is lost; he 10
made to appear as other men, not AZ the
sion, but must explode under pressure as
men of meaner fibre. Il is hard to believe the
Richelieu of Bulwer invoked the anethema
of heaven in gutterals or defed his enemies
by railing at them like Shylock. But there
are two Rhicheliens on tho stage, and Mr..
Keene's characterization il much to be
commended in many respects. The lines
were read with great power and the full
m eaBure of meaning brought out. His elo-
cution may be called almost faultless and
his stage effects Of high order. His
the Hmp and hurls shs anathsma Of the
church against those who would lay unholy
hand on his ward, and in tho heroic lines
affirming that his efforts are for his coun-
try. Also in the more tender scenes with
Julie his work merits high praise.
Mr.. Keene has surrounded himself with
a company Of capable performers and the
play last night was one Of the most whole
some and at the same time one
of the most entertaining that we may
expect to see during the season. As
Julie de Mortimer, Miss Lavinia Shannon
appeared to good advantage. Loving and
trustful, majestic and heroic, az the for
tunes of time demanded, withal handsome
and sufficient fol-. her role.
The audience last night was large, az the
play and players merited, and exhibited
their pleasure and communication by hearty
applause. Tonight Mr.. Keene will present
Louis XI. This being one of his strongest
portrayals doubtless the house will again be
filled. Among the bushels Of chat that
will be blown on theatre-goers during the
season the rich kernels Of true dramatic
number possible. or such wholesome
quality are the plays in Mr.. Keene's roper
toire.