The Indianapolis journal., 1895-03-11
PeHiSDryGOOdSC CO
ADJUSTMENTS.

oanies "A. HefHes VINO closed one OF the
most successful engagements of the season
at the Grand Saturday night:
1T Is seldom that a good actor is a good
play writer, but Mr. Herne is striking ex-
ception to- the rule. Not only Is he one of
the strongest and nlcst virile of actors,
but he is most finished writer Of plays
HIS last play, shore Acres, which has
been delighting the people of Chicago for
several weeks, IS as nearly perfect, 1t would
seem. as human Imagination and skill could
make it, From the rise of curtain until
II descends in the wonderful closing scene
Of the play not a false note is struck. Long
after the lights of the theater have faded
YES after days and weeks have hown-the
memory of this matchless picture of real
istic art fingers as valued possession.
Il was born at West Troy, n. ", in 1899
said Mr.. Herne last night in his dressing
room at McVickers, while making up for
the character Of Nathaniel Berry in Shore
Acres !" My early life was uneventful.
and followed various occupations until my
love for the theater prompted me to go
upon the stage, My first experience as an
old Adelphi Theater in Troy. I don't re-
member what character / played, 1t has
When asked If he inherited his talent for
the stage he replied:
No, indeed. My father and mother were
never In a theater in their lives until sew
eral years after adopted the stage as
profession. My father was a hardware mer
chant Arserward ,e both "a became interested
since wrote Hearts of Oak and pro-
dueed Il first In 1878 or 1879 in San Fran
cisco. I have always acted my own plays
exclusively. Hearts of Oak was great
success from the first. That was followed
Margaret Fleming and finally Shore
Acres -all successful plays
Mr.. Herne account of the composition of
..Shore Acres is Interesting II carried
that play in my head and heart for five or
six years before / produced it," he said.
1T was prepared with great. care and de-
liberation
NO. / never worked on a farm when
was ore pay maf Of tynie
farm life in New England. II suppose l
drew the picture because have the faculty,
of observation and absorption well devei-
oped. Writers of realistic fiction do not
always write from actual experience, and
.ney 40 not I'VE q. 9ne places aesora5eu rch IN 5
same on the farm everywhere else. The
writer who depicts faithfully the common
human traits must of necessity have large
human sympa thies himself.
The suggestion was ventured that to be
s evdenee q d 6s genius and III his
fame as q play writer would ontlive that OF
the actor; that the play would doubtless be
II hope you are right replied Mr.. Herne.
II do believe me play of Shore Acres will
have some influence upon the younger
writer's OF to-day and encourage them to dip
their pens into their hearts and write the
best which is in thenl-the very truth itself,
which is the true basis OF genuine realism.
Ii is 4 tradition of the stage that plays
generally should be made of conventional
pattern, contain ain impossible villain, and
end according to rule. shore Acres vio-
lates these traditions. 1t tells the simple
story ef ordinary life and illustrates the
heroisnl of sacrifice. People seem to realize
that it is a picture true to life, and its
success proves that its production was
timely and that the public, are disposed to
welcome such innovations in dramatic art,
even il they do violate time-honored tradi-
tionS.'
InIrtnr the whole of the conyersat ton the
actor was gradually transforming his APP
pearance until he stood confessed. ready TO
appear in his inimtable character of Ma
thaniel Berry, the hero of 'Shore Acres.
James A. Herne carries his fifty-five years
we'll His clear blue eyes and his smooth
and ruddy face indicate perfect health.
His broad shoulders and deep chest, with
strong. muscular development would do
credit to a professional athlete. His dark
brown hair Is still abundant, and the touch
Of time has not yet tinged it with the gray
of approaching age II is gratifying the
promise that this strong actor gives US of
being able to delight the lovers of dra-
matte art for the twenty years to come.