Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1895-05-21
RoBER AS LuCREz|A.
Medieval Italy Made Realistic
In Modern Times.
A Detsstable Character Magniacentlv
Portrayed Before . Big Audience.

ing subject, made attractive only by
sheer force of ability In depicting its hate
sulness, ID what was offered TO tho sp-
prsclative audience at Lothrop's Opera
House last evening by Miss Katherine
Rober and her very capable company of
players In their last appearance for the
season. Lucrexia Borgis, In the minds of
many people, like the Bogie Man In the
excited imagination OF some children, is q
sort OF incarnate devilishness, dim and
indIstinct as Vanderdecken himself when
seen though the mist and darkness that
enshroud the phantom ship Of the story.
1t is hard to believe that such creatures
ever lived-harder still to realize that
they were indeed flesh and blood like
ourselves until we see them In the mimic
actuality OF the stage embodied and made
human by an artist OF power adequate to
the task he assumes. Almost anybody,
when wrought up to desperation, can
perhaps take a single life without much
thought OF the consequence, IL only the
act be committed without generalization.
But how nm incarnate devil, like Lucrezia
Borgia or Catherine dc Medici, can revel
In poisoD, murder and death, and yet be
swsyed by the gentler emotions OF com.
mon humanity, can deliberately plot and
carry to successful issue the removal
from her path of her enemies, and still
feel the Joy OF motherhood and be con-
trolled by that softer passion that governs
"the court, the camp, the grove" II very
difficult OF com mprehension until We see 1t
with our own eyes, and, knowing 1t to be
counterfeit, yet tremble lest It be true.
The historical drama rendered by Miss
Rober and her company during the frst
half OF the current week at the local
theatre Is one Of the most ambitious, and
In some respects one Of the most success
full, she has ever given.bere. 1t is not In
any sense "charming" performance, al
though one appreciative listener last
night, with more understanding than
power of expression, did characterize 1t
as 'simpiy lovely" 1t Is not lovely at
all. 1t Is horrible. But 1t Is strong, Wig
orous, startling, 1t Is different from what
we have had, and, being well done, 1t is
attractive. The title role, assumed by
Miss Rober, is very exacting one, call
ing for abilities Of a high order. 1t deals
with problems in human nature that are
not easy of solution, and in the hands OF
a weak or Incompetent actress, would be
simply repellant and disgusting. But the
many friends of Miss Rober have come to
know ttat she Is neither weak nor iDcom-
petent, and that whatever she,undertakes
she masters thoroughly and does well.
While perhaps lacking trifie the concen-
| trated force, the approach to vir'le mas.
culinity insensibly associated with the
ordinary conception OF such character,
| her Lucrexia is yet the embodiment OF a
strong will power, an utter disregard OF
obstacle and opposition thaG hinder the
accomplish OF her wishes, a deter min
alton toreach her ends no matter what the
consequences, disregard OF human life
that is almost appalling, while underneath
| II all, influencing her actions and at times
| dominating them there Is q love, like
that Of a tigress II you will, but yet love
pure, strong and that will not be denied.
| Her interview with the duke, where she
| pleads for the life of Gennaro, and her
scene with the latter, at the close OF the
play, ending In the death OF both, are
very excellent indeed and worthy OF the
highest commendation and praise.
The other ladies OF the cast have bat
little to do, yet that little Is not neglected
| and contributes to the general good re-
| suit. Misses Lind and Ellen Mortimer,
| Ia their cavaliers garb, are effective and
duchess, makes one regret that the role Is
| not more prominent one.
Frank Drummer, az Gennaro, does capi-
tai work and strengthens the hold he
took on popular favor at his first appear.
anoe here. He is well fitted, in form ard
manner, for a gallant "soldier Of fortune"
who "fghts for his own hand" and
fights successfully. He has good voice,
we'll controlled, distinct aud musical
enLnciatiou, and graceful carriage, and is
"leading man" In very much more tnan
name only. Charles Barringer, who made
his re-entre, after long absence, was al
ways fayoriLe here, and last nights
work only made him more so. II ever
there was a"scoundrel In attractivelguise }"
he was one, and his diabolicsl laugh pro-
voked q responsive echo In his audience
In spite of themselves. They would haye
rejoiced to see him killed twice over
though very sorry II compelled to attend
his actual funeral. Messrs. Paige, Rowe,
MoHugh aud McElroy, each according
to his opportunity, helped on the move
ment Of the piece, and a. always, render
ed valuable assistance.
The oostuming of tho piece is as hne as
was ever shown here, the dresses OF Miss
Rober being elegant to that degree that
would dazzle man with their magnif-
sence, while they bsnkrupted him with
their price. The play will be repeated
during the first half OF the week. The
last half there will be q change, and "Our
Boys" will hold the boards. The season
is ending, Miss Rober and her company
will not be seen here again for some time,
the plays are both of the very best, and
the OnnortunitY ah0uld not be neglected..