St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1892-02-28
passionate parts Those for prima

d0nna!
Nothing less! There is nothing more
rash than a dilettante i'll confronting
every possible difficulty!
Giving her a look not very reassuring
for her, l asked her whether. for eX-
ample, she felt she could act MARY
Stuart or LA Dame aux Camelias." or
anything similar?
II think l could" she replied, smil-
ing complacently, studying accu-
rately."
And my opinion is that you would
only be fit for the parts of sOubrette
or an ingenue." | endeavored TO gid
the pill by speaking softly for fear that
she might fall down before me in a
faint.
AT my answer the poor creature ap-
peared terrified. She seemed unable TO
take it in.
Seeing her so decided in her resolu-
ton to become an actress interested me,
and | recommended her most warmly
10 the professor of phiiodramatic
academy to direct her. though l was
convinced that | had not been mistaken
In the opinion had formed of her. In
fact she commenced studying with
great zeal, but with little success. She
had also agreed TO seek an engagement
III a second-rate company in the hope
that with practice in small parts she
might be able to rise by degrees and
become acceptable to the public. All
her efforts, however, were in vain. Her
figure, her marked Venitian accent, and
her uncertain way Of speaking only pro-
cured her bitter disenchantment. Yet
now she is as tenacious in her reSolu-
ton as ever. and deaf to my advice to
leave an art for which she is not fitted.
pittied her but could give her no more
help.
| conclude by repeating that lntelli-
gence, culture and study do not always
suffice one for becoming an artist.
Undue Praise
A great danger that young artist
should be careful of is that Of not dis
tinguishing between the applause given
for encouragement and that given for
attractiveness of person.; for sweetness
of voice rather than for artistic merit.
How often has it happened that pub
lie, struck by the charming appearance
of a young beginner. has destroyed her
future career by undue praise of the
few good qualities she possesses! 1t
must be admitted that a great share of
responsibility weighs upon the press in
whether Influenced by the beauty, the
youth or relation; while instead it
might render better service in the
appreciation of the good qualities
to correct the defects, initiating
in this aspect the principal French
critics, who. with exquisite and rare i'll
telligence. do not hesitate to give their
opinlOn-not of the beginners alone, but
also of their principal artists on any
new occasion. The exaggerated en-
thusiaSm of a public often prevents
young artist from forming just idea of
her own value, and, in consequence, it
often happens that she gives up think
ing it necessary to dedicate herself to
that profound study to which the artists
who have reflected glory on the dra-
matte history of the nations conSecrated
their lives. Without scruple they ac-
cept the most fiattering epithets, which
are only deserved when, to acquire pre-
eminence in the art, one has trodden a
path full of thOrnS. This is the indiS
penSable novitiate one must pass
through to succeed. At times it will ap-
pear as though strength must fail be-
fore such tests, but, considering that
without these one cannot become an
artist, one will be sure to find the cour-
age with which to progress without
fear.
Beauty. voice, elegance Of deport-
value when the foundation is wanting,
which is intelligence of the art. 1t is
necessary to study. study, and yet
study, not specifically the materially
of the parts, but to understand and dis
Germ the characterize give to each its
proper Interpretation, its proper color
ing. A young woman who intends TO
tread in the dramatic paths must not
only be satisfied with exhibiting prom
Use, she must aspire to become reality,
never forgetting that in whatever art,
especially in the representative. medic
Gritty means moral and material misery.
This will serve to spur her to employ
all her powers to overcome the great
difficulties which will present them
selves before her, pressing on energet-
icalIy in search of the true and the
beautiful, she will find the reward in
the success of her aim.