The herald., 1896-12-20

6
At the Los Angeles theater during the
past week the performances have pro-
gressed from the extreme of blood ana
thunder melodrama, as presented in Ihe
Waits of New York, to the exploitation
of the inner forces of the human mind
directed by the human WILL as exempli-
fled in DR.. Belgraff. And yet the compo-
nent parts of these two plays were in
many respects the same. Each dealt
with the passions, ambitions and casual
ties of life, and yet in tone and interest
they were as widely separated as the
poles. The novelty of one had passed
away long ago. while the latter struck
the keynote of popular favor by dealing
with a subject which is exciting univer-
sal interest.
OF course the pyrotechniq style Of
melodrama has its firm adherents. A
noted theatrical manager once said,
speaking on the subject: ut is rather
difficult to find an audience that likes
it, but when you do they like it. real
we'll" This fact Notwithstanding, this
style of me odrama has had its day. 1t
had its innings in the transition period
from imperfect to highly realistic stage
accessories. In those days people were
entertained by the novelty of stage real
ism and many play which would excite
ridicule by reason of it's diction in these
days was the recipient of popular favor
by virtue of it's scenic effects. But,
nous avous change tout cela," not but
what excellent realistic stage setting is
as popular as ever, but in this day of
the world 1.-The plays the thing" 1t
must be nteresting-sketchy, of course,
after the manner of the literature of the
day, albeit at points strong in detail 1t
must present some phase of life exct-
ing the popular interest, as is frequently
done by dramatiZing the best works of
a favorite author or it must deal with
some theory, fact, fad or fancy occupy
ing for the moment the fleeting atten-
tion of the public. 1t must be we'll con-
ceived and carefully written; serious
withal, perhaps trifle morbid, yet hav-
ing grain or two of comedy thrown in
to leaven the whole. Add to this a scene
plot absolutely realistic in every detail
and you have the successful drama of
the day. What we shall have in it's place
when it's turn comes to go over to the
majority still remains hidden in the bo-
som of the future, which is in itself
blessing, as its divulgence so far in ad
most potent charm in nineteenth CEN
tury eyes-novelty.
In the part of DR.. Belgraff, Mr.. Lack
aye shows studious attention to the
salient points of the character that
makes of the ensemble a perfect whole.
Mr.. Lackaye has mastered that most
difficult of arts, the art of sinking his
individuality into that of the character
taI fhn pt,a not q pn n a
as DR.. Belgraff in the opening scene, by
reason of his devotion to his sister and
by his striking brain power; be it one in
spring horror, as the doctor when, in
his desire for vengeance, he takes fell
low mortaPs life; be it impulsive. as in
the third act,where the complex French
man Yields to the debasing influence of
drink and seeks further to use his hyp-
MOTTO power over helpless girl in order
to save his life; in all these attitudes Mr..
Lackaye, regardless of public sympathy,
presents his character with that atten-
ton to natural detail which alone is true
art From the opening scene in the la
boratory to the death scene in the fourth
act Mr.. Lackaye is simply lost sight of.
There is no such person. There is only
DR.. Belgraff, a man thoroughly strong
in most respects, yet who, unable to con-
quer either himself or circumstances,
ends by falling a victim to both.
Miss Wainwright is an actress about
whose work there has always been much
difference of opinion. Many there are
who will say she was never thoroughly
pleasing in any role, while others vow
she is their ideal of a talented actress.
In the part of Agnes Langham there
can be no doubt of Miss Wainwright's s
excellence. She seems to have graspeu
the subtleties of the part and thrown in
just the right amount of shading to make
it a striking success. AS to Miss VAIN
wrights personal attractions there has
never been a divided opinion. She has
always been acknowledged one of the
beauties of stageland, and though quite
a number of years have passed since she
made her debut in this galaxy of beauty,
she is still capable OF holding her own
with the fairest Of them all.
That the public is not, after all, for
setful nor unheedful of true artistic eX-
cellence was demonstrated last week by
the enthusiastic reception accorded that
veteran actor. c. w. Couldock, by the
sons-aye, and grandsons-of those who
remember this genuine artists first
stage appearance, and it was a source
Of much regret among his admirers that
he had no more opportunity afforded for
the adequate display of his talents than
IN the limited part of Squire Fenton.
Lovers of the realistic and those who,
like the fretful porcupine. enjoy the
sensation of having leach individual
hafr to stand on end,' would be thor
oughly satisfied by the death struggle
In the second act of Dr. Belgraff, which
takes place entirely in the dark after
the knocking over of the light in the pre-
liminary encounter. There is the uncer-
tainty of what may be ensuing in those
dreadful moments of darkness, during
which the noise of the deadly conflict is
distinctly audible, followed by the grew
some effect produced by the light of a
single candle thrown upon the scene of
murder, that must fully satisfy the mos Il
energetic seeker after morbid details.
THE LOS ANGELES THEATER-
In the last few years there has appeared
on the literary armament a new star.
whose productions shine with brighter
and more brilliant lustre than those
emanating from the output Of the aver
age literary mind. Marie Corelli has
produced nothing which has not been
eagerly sought for by the reading pub
lie. Among the most popular works by
this author is that much read and great
ly admired novel, The Vendetta. Many
attempts were made to successfully
dramatize this work, and it is only in the
last few wears that a proper adaptation