New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-02-11
THE DRAMA.
SARAH BERNHARDT AS GISMONDA.

An English translation Of Mr.. Sardou's drama OF
"Gsmonda" was presented in this city. about a
year ago. by Miss Fanny Davenport and since then.
through the m.nstraions OF that actress, It has
been made familiar in every part OF this Favored
land Last night. at Abbey's Theatre. for the hTst
time In America the French original was produced
and the character OF Glsmonda was embodied by
Mile Bernhardi The piece acted in French causes
much the same effect that it did when 1t was acted
in English. but the French presentment OF II Will
probably be deemed a public GAIN because II en-
ablos the community - obtain direct Hno"leo3e
OF the original. and 70 Nile. BernhaTut IN a
part exactly suited TO her temperament AID her
talents and one that she PLAYS perfectly well-en-
DUNG il with an animal arlor dramatic lorce'
n personal distinction. anl refinement Of artistic
method, with which, hitherto. II has not been asso-
slated.
There are many persons VINO maintain. ard some
who believe. that al subjects are suitable for the
stage and who would contend that because animal
instincts and prOpensites are imbcG3ed in human
nature an exposition OF the growth o: the physica'
mania commonly called love Is jus; as desirable
ana admirable in art anything else. TO such
persons the plays cr,stomary presented oy Mile.
Bernhard are agreeable. and so is the acting WIN
which s1c presents them. There others who be-
lieve that the purpose of ali art Is the display ana
ultimate vindlcaion OF beauty and the diHusion OF
good. and that the first Of its laws Is the law OF
selection: and for them there IS no fec!ty or scenic
p!csontple0t
preston that redeem such play as "Gls-
r1onda" or commend TIE proceedings OF Mile. Bern
harit therein rational favor. Each to his taste
Mile Rernharlt has her followers. and volumes nave
been written TO eXtol her powers; bat the fact re-
ma ms that her plays pornicious in their sugges-
tons and .ha; the powers devoted TO their ust'a-
tlon nave been msuscJ That she Is clever
aetrcss-although not a woman of great genius ana
although admirable only as complex ana IN
gcniors machine ia almira ble.-no one denies. hnt'
In any rational endeavo- to ascertain ana SIGNIFY
the nature of the public gain from her acting mat
Is 10; 10 the purpose. In the public discussion OF
dramatic Representations the primary object 10 be
sousht is not the celebration of artistic experiences
srabiS~b1; the RECOGNITION and approval of an niu:
that is good or the recognition ana 'eisule ..
may be ever 50 important TO himself: 1t Is his mes
sage that is importan; 10 others ,. r,o,.r,
until the emo Of next week! and probably "Gis-
monda." which has more than cnce been here de-
of her engagement. Il is an artificial. fantastic,
re9rehensb,e AMI shocking play. / presents femas
dC Sa' almost IT, exclusively with the phencmena Of
animal propensity. and as usual with Miie; efm
OF the workings of 81 love with a yindictve as
play OF the triumph Of MURDER Mile Bernha ray
gcOus 10 the vision. and in the scene OF Gismohut
emotional cSpi'ulaion to ne ailnremenis oi Win
her own peculiar skill: but seldom. except IN "
feline congress- has he rrGgr sc Oh gtai tm
OF screams and snar,s ii pleased these overs
TO create \: the las, the lady sew her zoe win
the celebrity and relish born OF abundant practice IN
that cheerful form. OF art-this tim~ WIN hd.cnr'
'TherG is some spectacle IN "Gsmon Ia. ana tho
scenic pageanis were often beautiful. the mouse
va. amer thin bat the admirers Of the famous
French actress greeted her with bounteous applause
AMI often recalled heI INTO their presence:
In tho subsidiary acting there was much zeal and
harmony. the performance Of A.In"rio, ny NJ l,aI-
mort being particularly distinguished by nopllF
and cum :laiive passion; but N all the acting. hot
executing that OF Nile. Bernhardt. there was more
of exnosIe vehemence than of natural, spontaneous