The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-07-27
| MASTER READER.
Mr.. Locke Richardson's Shakes
perian Recitals.
A CRITICISM BY AN ADMIRER.
The Many Phases OF Human Nature He
Deiineates With Unparalleled
Graes and skill.


zens OF Seattle who avail led themselves of the
opportunity were permitted 90 witness and en-
JOY. as we believe. the presentation and inter-
probation OF four of ShEkespeere's master works
oy gentleman recently returned from four
years tour OF the globe. AZ various points in
al the large cities, and under the NEST latter
ing circumstances, the plays OF Shakespeare
Tragedy ana eomedy-the writings OF Dickens
poems OF Tennyson, Longfellow, Browning
Hood and others have been given. Volumes of
praise have been showered upon him. Critics
Doth IN Europe and America. have joned in
placing his readings an advance OF all others
Hence, it follows that an attempt here to criti-
else the plays, or thu gentleman presenting
fnem, at least. viii subject the writer to criti-
cism. whether Justly or otherwise Criticisms
OF Shakespeares writings are numerous but
critics competent to give wen-groanded reasons
Tor their criticisms are less numerous We will
not for the present place ourselves with that
class, rather leave the reader to transfer us to
the other fold il found worthy. What follows
are but our impressions OF a variety OF plays re-
curing different treatment by one person.
given publicity in the hope that ADLER pons may
disclose cur errors of judgment and In more APP
propriate language portray the excellencies of
Mr.. Locke Richardson's work, that all NAV be
brought to more fully understand the deep
meaning OF the author. This work should not
only interest every student, bur each citizen
noding the good OF this community at heart;
likewise those who, being cultured. delight in
Shas espeare as an artist-Mr Richardson "a
an exponent of the ar. Of reading, aud for the
educational results possible By their pursuit
these, one and ell, should read this review, for
the theme Is worthy earnest aud careful iaves-
tication.
Firs,, then. We would ssy his scholarly man
ner, grace or delivery aud singalarly faultless
sps ech, Won for him from the frs, the uudi-
vded attention OF his audience. AS We follow
him through the several recirals we shall spe
TO find good reasons for Bringing into such
prominence especial characters OF each play
OF those present it may be Mr.. Richardson was
welcomed 10y cultured, apprseistive aud repre-
sentative audience, gooaly rottiou OF which
were more or less familiar wish Shakespeare's
writings, yet it might be claimed no. sufficiently
familiar with their recital, either b. Mr.. Rich
ardson or other gentlemen. 10 justly crisicse the
one nor the other. We speak of recitais, and of
reciials here, while residents elsewhere, many
oil those who attended the recitas under consd-
erstion, have enjoyed opportunities quite equal
TO that of any people ia the West, which should
cattle their opinions upon Eterafure and the
art OF presenting ii, I'd proportioaate consideia-
ton.
Julius Cesar" the play c. osen for the FIRST
night, has enjoyed the fame of containing the
most powerful language, in o-asory aud dia-
logue given US by Shakespeare. Ii point of
position, we think Mr.. Richards n places
Brutus before Cesar, not that ne makes Brutus
appear the grandest type OF man. rather,
because his relation to the scenes and events
Transporting force IN into such prominence
Brutus is his hero, and mural hero, too, a man
far above most men in thought and action,
tree from ambition, u safe and wise coun-
selior, timely in warning afiectionate man
mindful OF the good OF others. OF the various
positions in which be presents Brutus, that of
the affeetionate husband under the most trying
circumstances, in his intervQw with Portla, the
~ N al fla aseip 81
eminent Her appeals by the sacredness of
their marriage VOWS 20 share the secrets that
cause his sorrow were give with such tender
ness and depth OF emotion that there seemed no
room for adverse criticism. His fondness for
his wife was attest.d in numerous ways all of
which gained for the character our hearty sp-
prevail Mark Antony's address over the dead
body OF the might Caesar. though cuuched in
loyal words, covering heart all 6fame, were
given with remarkable power While parading
the noble deeds OF Caesar slain, his face spoke
OF vengeance for the future, that fir d the sor-
rowing Romans upon that memorable day. Mr..
Richardson makes Mark Antony a noble type
of soldierly manhood, full of resource. upon
emergency-a ken observer OF the moods OF
men, able 10 sway the masses 20 war; or by his
counsel command peace.
julius Cesar Sir. Richardson re presents as the
noblest man that ever lived. This is his duty
as faithful student OF Shakespeare, who
counted him the nobest Of all His pc rsona-
ton OF Caesar was iuli OF pleasurabls surprises
man who knew no fear, never compromised
his honor nor daty for the fs,tery OF men, nor
risked the good OF his people foc selfish ends,
not quite so ambitious perhaps, as the speech
OF Antony accuses his enemies OF believing
Another of the strong points in this play as pre-
scented was the occasion OF the farewell between
Bru US and Cassius, where Mr.. Richardson
shows that mastery OF spesca and dramatic
action that has won Tor him such high praise
in all lands. When Cassius complains that his
Endorsement OF Pela's acceptance OF brides
had been waived side, Brulus re-
plies and censur,s cassus for having
an itching palm, etc These lines were given
most Effectively. Every word was full OF emo
ton. displaying regret OF the keenest nature
that his lifelong friend and himself were at the
very portal of death as enemies. NGthing in
the whole line Of reading In gil the writings of
Shakespeare could excel this in psthos. followed
SO soon by the death OF the principal peTsonnges
OF the drama, at whose taking OF some fitting
words arc uttered in becoming manner upon
that sorroyful occasion.
Mr. Richardson Journeys along with the lesser
Characters Of Shakcspesre's plays with that
happy and congenial spirit begot Of close COM
pionship that makes us forget him, and think
solely of the character 30 true To life. from
which he wants with becoming grace to his
grandest climax, where his speech aEd action
are on psans with the highest attainment of
man, lnele lS OlSPsdSs ttfSfNS power
would say: II am a n0Ilsman; the peer OF
Roman or any other" His thorough training
TO produce pleasing effects upon tbs sage has
won cur admiration. His e.ezant manners,
persuasive words and kindly nature have made
him quite cur ideal OF manhood.
Upon the following Friday evening Ar. Rich
ardson gave shakspeare's greas tragedy, king
Lear" to the same audience. who were early in
place to witness his rendering OF the story of the
forssken King Lear. And row directly before
us como trooping long Lac Of meat flattering
criticisms from Presidents Barnard, Ossorn,
White wincheIi and Taylor. from wslIism Win
ter Charles Dudley Warner. John Mccullough,
Emerson ,HolInts, Huntngio8. Potter, The dis
tinguished Shakespeare scholar, Dr. Horace How
ard Furness, DIR. S,orrs aud others. Because
they have said Good" whas VIII you expect of
only & common. ordinary maag Ia eli exquisite
bit OF history his hearers were led up TO the
opening when ire old King, weary Of the cares
Of state, calls his daughters 10 him that
he may make partition Of bis RESIN. The
eraftiaess OF his TWO Oldest daughters, Gonerii
and Regain, do not stfrsct the kings especial
notice Mr.. Richardson makes SPECIAL play
uson the words, delivers them, as il were,
straight from the shoulder, though we were
able to de.ec, their bitterness and undue de-
fire 10 come into possession OF their estates, In
their interview with their royal father Lear's
sorrow 1t finding the ingrstii1de OF his daugh-
ters their expressed dispieasure az his desire 70
| retain his following were most excellent His
| transition from one character 20 another IL
| never done in haste and never In o doubtful or
| uncertain manner. Following him. as Lear, from
one castle 20 another, iram one daughter 10 the
| other il seems marvellous that his memory
| never fails him: the proper words. and, a. tbs
/ lime are always sc command Re puts sufl-
eient energy aud grace in every line 70 make
each an inspirari0n, afording little chance for
/ lat que or indifference TO the mlnutest detail.