The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-04-24

Henry VIII. is not often played. II ID not
one Of Shakespaare's greatest works and 10
not easily adapted to the stage. The parts
are not we'll connected; each act would al
most make a play by itself. All characters
are Of historical interest, though 1t il Diff
cult to discover motives, causes or effects
from the lines Rs read by MIR. Warda and
hia company. The author Of the play ia re-
sponaible for the obscurity that runs all
through the work, but this could doubtless
be remedied in 4 measure by a more judo
cious pruning. The prime movement Ia the
great religious revolution by which the
overthrow of Catholicism was accomplished.
lines in the rendition last evening. King
Henry is at first the willing tool Of Wolsey,
afterwards he appears as u sensual tyrant,
and finally becomes q hypocritichl knave.
Wolsey. ambitious, secretive aud cunning,
unites all his powers to bring. England
and himself rs the ruler. The heroine and
the only beautiful character in the play is
Queen Catherine of Arxgon, wife Of the
Emperor Charles V. Tho love and devotion
to her husband, her friendship for Bucking-
ham and her appreciation of the cardinals
character unite to win for her the
love of all. The action of the play seems
to hinge on three events; the contest be-
tween Wolsey and Buckingham; between
Woolssy and the queen and between VOL
sey and the king. buckingham is executed
for nothing more than the simple accusa-
without apparent cause and Wolssy is
finally overthrown in like manner The
plot contains certain fixed events without
proper development of causes leading to
these. Perhaps the most striking feature
is that the king with all his villainy receives
no punishment. The omission of the last
act of the play in the text last evening
prevented the revelation of after happiness
in Henry's court.
In a general way the performance last
evening was very good. The company is
quite as capable as the majority OF Shak-
sperian companies. Unfortunately the play
was not properly mounted and the special
scenery that adds SO much to general effect,
was not found though it had been promised.
The players were appropriately costumed.
The character of Wolsey as portrayed
treacherous to others in his faith to the
% nhnt'h the anu state sf''f for th 20 p apasy.
The picture of the cardinal in the red
robes and cardinals hat. dignitied and then
humble, was impressive. Mr.. Ward is a
finished and powerful actor and in emo
tional scenes, particularly that of the
cardinals downfall, he was strikingly good.
The popular idea of Woolsey ia that of an
oily, susve a politician who gains his hold
by a soft tongue ard persuasive name
Ii CulS conception ID COrrSCb MI. WHTOS |
portrayal was somewhat stilted. His acting
received two we'll merited recalls from the
audience.
Mrs. D. P. Bowers was most cordially re-
ceived. No better actress was ever seen in
Helena. She personated the wronged
Queen Cethe. inc with remarkable fidelity
to the authors characterization. In the
trial scene when the deceived wife faces
accusers she betrayed not only the regal
splendor of an angry queen, but her ate
ing revealed the exquisite finish that comes
with the long training of a talented
artist. In he death scene she will be long
be remembered
Mr.. Herman as the Duke of Buckingham
very clever. lie has a rich and we'll
voice which was used with fine
effect in his farewell before the execution.
MIR. Turner's character of the king was
we'll done. He pictured the recklessness,
sensuality and arrogance of Henry with
much success.
Miss Coegswell was a pretty and attract
i've Annie Boleyn. The other members of
company did fairly we'll.
This evening Mr.. Warde will appear as
Damon in the always popular Damon and
Pythias. The character is one of MIR.
favorites,
Will have for sale, oath or 25th, at Montana
lentral track, near Northern Pacific depot, q car
Load OF live poultry. VIM. Bunnell.