St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1895-02-09

IL IS doubtful II any OF SNAKES
peare'S tragedies is as well adapted
for stage representation as ''Othello."
It is compact and well digested in
the scenes" 1t is full of action, and
the dialogue is invaria bly, pertinent
to the story. The great third act,
which is practically devoted en-
tirely to the colloquy between
Othello and Iago, is a shining eX-
ample of the vital interest that Wig
orous dialogue can inpart to a play.
The scene between these two re-
markable characters ranks with the
most intense and powerful that
Shakespeare has ever created.
Mr.. Keene presented this marvel
Gus tragedy at the Metropolitan
opera house last evening, appearing
himself in the title role. Mr. Hen
mig played Iago; Mr.. Arden, Cassie;
Miss Lawrence, Desdemona, and
Miss Beaman, Emilia.
1t is gratifying to record that the
performance of this impassioned
tragedy was faithful and creditable.
None of those blemishes in the form
of incompetent players, absurd stage
groupings and other evidences of
inadequate stage management were
there to mar the effect of the trag-
edy. Good taste pervaded the
whole performance
In analyzing Mr.. Keene's iTnper-
sonation Of the Moor, one is con-
fronted with the question of con-
ception of the character. Those who
insist that Othello is human being
whose physical attributes dominate
his mental, and who is essentially
carnal and devoid of all spirituality
and poetry, would not be satisfied
with Mr.. Keene's Othello. But
Shakespeares Othello appeals to
many close students of the charac-
ter as man whose massive nobility
and natural grandeur have been
made more massive, more grand, by
the perfect serenity that his high
and sacred love for Desdemona has
diffused over his mind and heart. 1t
is. true that Mr.. Keene possibly lacks
the physical stature and profound
lmpressiVeness necessary to inspire
the feeling of awe with which we
contemplate the agony of great
and noble nature, but it is equally
true that the actor reveals to us the
ecstasy Of the MoorS love for Des-
demona. He shows that it is more
than carnal paSsion-loftier than a
mere infatuation. Mr.. Keene plainly
appreciates the poetry and refine
ment that this love sheds over the
Moor, and so far he gives us Shakes
peare'S Othello. In the famous third
act, MIR. Keene was very effective,
displaying in the colloquy with Iago
very much spontaneity and intens-
ity. In the bed chamber scene Mr..
Keene acted with deep feeling and
sincerity.
Mr.. Hennig is deserving of much
commentator for his impersonation
OF that prince of villains, Iago. Mr.
Hennig gave a clean-cut, clear and
sensible Interpretation of the role.
and delivered his lines with good
| emphasis. AS he studies the text
more, however, he will find that it is
replete with phrases and words that,
| when given their due weight, will
| serve to still further color and elab-
| crate the character Of Iago.
Miss Lawrence made an excellent
and most charming Desdemona, and
Miss Beaman a satisfactory Emilia.
Mr.. Arden's Cassie was very good.
This afternoon Mr.. Keene will an
pear as Shylock in 1.-The Merchant
of Venice" and in the evening he
will repeat his performance of 'Rich-
| ard III"