The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1895-06-15
TWO

10 make MS nrsG appearance on the
stage in "Chatterton." The piece,
which, though not forgotten, had drop
ped out Of sight and for some years had
filled a narrower sphere in the quiet ap-
probation Of home reading, now excit-
cd, on its first night. almost the interest
that a great novelty might. Those who
were familiar with it without having
seen it played were curious to assist at
its interpretations process in which
certain beauties of a work, especially
the most subtle points, disappear, are
scattered, volatilized, as II may say,
in the heat Of the footlights, while 9TH
ers burst Unexpectedly into view through
the medium of voice and gesture.
Those who had been present at former
performances of the piece were happy
to bring back again two hours of their
youth and to glow once more with the
warmth Of their first artistic emotion.
In a word, the old play, reappearing as
it did in the midst of the commonplace
%trivialities of the day, rejuvenated the
whole audience and aroused it to en-
thusiasm.
1t must be admitted that it would be
impossible to conceive of a more perfect
Chatterton than young Bloncourt made.
Son and grandson of comedians, the
youth had the blood of a true artist in
his veins, and he was evidently bent ON
proving it to us that evening.
In the tumult and excitement of the
applause, in the midst Of the hundreds
80 naixc 80 o-nc o,,I hands chat ,,,ra o~
clusively concerning themselves with
the stage, l caught a glimpse from time
to time Of a handsome face which look
ed out, pale and set, from the darkness
at the back of the house. 1t was Blon-
court, the father, who had come to be
present at the triumph of his son. Evil
IDENTIFY deeply moved, he frequently
changed his place and appeared in all
the different parts of the theater, some
times in the midst of the brilliant dis
&. play in the boxes and at other moments
was almost lost in the crowded CALLER
les. 1t was as though he wished to
measure on every side this splendid sue
cess, in which he also had a share. The
audience recognized him and pointed
him out to each other. Look at Papa
Bloncourt. Isn't he happy tonight,
thought And some Of them while ap-
plauding turned in his direction, as
though to include the great artist in the
triumph of his child and pupil.
1t is a fact that no fame is SO short
lived as that Of q comedian. Once he
drops out Of the public gaze it is all
over with him. No one gives him a
further thought. His is the fate of the
spoken word, which, however beauti-
full, is carried off in air; of the musical
chord that vanishes as soon as the notes
are struck. But in this case, thanks to
his son, Bloncourt could escape the ter
rible destiny that awaits comedians.
He was welcoming a new glory which
was rising at the fading Of his own and
would merge his artistic career in an
other full of hope and promise. So the
poor mans emotion was deep and
strong. l could see that his lips occa-
sionally trembled, and his limbs witch.
ed with nervousness. Between each act
he roamed about in the Hobbies, draw
ing near the different groups to over
hear what was being said, and when
hand clasps and fluctuations were press
ed upon him he blushed and shrank
away with the awkwardness and en-
barrassment of a difident youth.
Passing close by him at one of these
moments, l could not restrain the SYM
pathetic impulse which drew me toward
this deep, silent JOY. "You ought to be
a very happy man." l said, shaking his
hand. Its an immense success.
The hand l took in mine was cold
and moist, and it drew itself sharply,
almost angrily. away. Its possessor
smiled grimly as he looked at me.
$50 you compliment, too, do you?
Isn't there a single soul to understand
what / am suffering? All, come. I am
sutfocating. Let us get out Of here. 1"
And he dragged me with him out into
the street. An icy wind was whistling
round the corners, but the old comedian
did not appear to notice its rigor.
"Ah, that is good, goodr' he exclaim-
ed, drinking in the cold air with de-
light. Il thought I should 60 crazy in
side there. For two hours I have endur.
ed their applauding and their stupid
congratulations, which are q mockery
to me-. You are astonished that / say
this to you? Well, it is SO. I am jeal-
Gus. am jealous Of my own child
fairly green with envy Of him. That is
q frightful thing to say, isn't it? Blu,
why did he take my part away from
me? 1t was mine. I was to have played
it. 1t is exactly in my line, and Vigny
himself promised it to me. A week be.
fore he died he said to me, 'Bloncourt,
when they put on "Chatterton'' again,
I count on You to play it, and / wa,
waiting with such impotence for then
TO bring it out. Paris was beginning K
forget me in the long period / had beer
inactive, and I hoped this creation
would confer a second youth upon me-
. renewal of past successes. I studied
hard night and day. Finally I wa
ready. N>
Zone morning the boy comes runnin,
70 me and throws his arms around m,
neck: oh, father, how happy I am!
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