The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1895-01-09
AT THE THEATRE.
4 Close Criticism of saIvini in '.Ruy
Bias

"A OlOSe OfltlclSDl Ol SttAfIIl1 III Ahhy
Bias"
A large attendance of bright thinking
people constituted the audience at the
theatre to see Salvini and his company
in the decentralization of Victor Hugo's
poetic and beautiful romance, "Ruy
Bias This representation is so differ
ent from those roles that seem to fit
Mr. Salvini that he would not be eX-
pected to excel in it had not the definite
reports preceded his visit that it is one
of the best plays in his repertory. Wei
can hardly concede that statement to
be the truth. Fate cut him out for a
different sort of man from Ruy Bias,
and in his different sort he has such
Overwhelming individuality that we
doubt whether al his art will enable
him to conceal his dominating character
while playing parts that are widely at
variance with his own identity. Some
actors give an expression of subdued
force and suggest a mine of strength
under a reposeful nature, but when the
moment comes for action they may fail
Very great actors, like Edwin Booth,
have been strong in repose and great in
action. Salvini is wonderfully brilliant
in action but has no repose whatever.
He seems to be incapable of it, even
when he strives his utmost, and we do
not know that he will ever be able to
express it. If he ever conquers those
madly stirring nerves and learns to
control his vibrating muscles, he may
prove a very great actor.
! When he first appeared last evening.
! he seemed to belle his criticism, for he
was most sombre, serious and still. and
! 1t seemed as if he had the control, But
/ it was only for a silent moment. After
the first few lines the gates were
opened. and soon his impetuous spirit
broke loose, scarcely to he restrained
again during the performance. There
after in many places he seemed IN
able to restrain his frey manner, 50
out of harmony with many passages,
and in certain places he almost rdnted.
Aside from this serious fault, the whole
performance was a good one The
piece was splendidly staged, with new
scenery and fitting appointments and
costumes. All the stage business seem
ed to have been thought out with
great care and skill. The play itself is
somewhat complicated and not perfect
in dramatic construction. In the Sec
ond and fourth acts the leading does
not appear. The second act is dull and
in its curtain tableau is fiat as to stu
alton and language. The fourth act 81,
the scene of Don Caesar, and this part
was so we'll played by Mr.. Redmund
that interest was fully maintained. In
the last act is the elimination Of the
tragedy, the Staying of Salluste and
| the suicide of Ruy Bias. The killing OF
the marquis was a most extraordinary
and thrilling incident. well illustrating
Salvini's lightning dexterity in action.
Although the part of Ruy Bias (pro'
Inounced Rewey Bass is genuine
star part, there is ample opportunity
for this fine company to prove It's
powers. Mr.. Delamater we'll played
the crafty desperate Don sallqst e;o and
Mr.. Ben Johnson as the quixotic Count
of Alba again proved mis- ability. Miss
Moretti has a star part in that OF the tn
youthful queen and found conslderao pie
scope for her powers in the struggle
between the emotions of proud and
ldignif1ed woman whose heart was torn
with hopeless passion.
Tonignu, SaIvini returns to his native
element in the part of Don Caesar de
Bazan in the popular comedy OF mat
name. This is the old time fayorite
with all classes, and his past perform
ance of the part has left a pleasant
memory that many will be glad 10 re-
fresh