The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-12-16

JOHN HARE
statement boldly, even though so excellent
lady and distinguished an authority as
Mrs. Kendall disagrees with me. In re-
cent contribution to an English newspa-
Per my fair compatriot and countrywoman
says anent stage life: "It Is most terri
bic, most awful lifo for a woman. To
succeed In it she must have the epidermis
of rhinocercs, the strength Of man and
the feelings, say, Of craven image"
Then the good lady goes on TO say that she
speaks strongly upon tho subject and feels
strongly upon 1t because she knows what
she is talking about.
In view of the singular success Mrs.
Kendall has achieved upon the stage this
seems remarkably strong language for the
lady to employ and may have deterrent
effect upon many likely young woman
with histrionic ambition. Mrs Kendall Is
the soul Of sincerity, and have no doubt
means every word she says. She Is ex-
tremoly sensitive, and occasional and un-
expected criticisms have apparently deep
ly wounded her. doubt very much,
though, X tho lady could get another sue
cessfui actress in the world unless it be
Eleanora Dusc, TO agree with her. lam very
sure Sarah Rernhardt, Ellen Terry, Fanny
~.
They really love their profession and have
deservedly baskod in the sunshine which
follows courageous and persistent effort.
Acting is like any other profession. Con-
slant study and constant practice are abso-
lutely necessary to success. Innate talent,
comeliness Of person or natural elocution-
ary power alone will not suffice Work,
persistent work, Is tho Indispensable ad.
junct of any and of oil of these
"Is the legal profession overcrowded?"
once asked a timid student at the Harvard
Law school Of Daniel Webster "No, my
boy" answered your great statesman and
jurist, "theres plenty of room at the top"
So with our profession. There is plenty Of
room at tho top, and next to the top and
ut tho middle and even next to the middle
The faithful, industrious worker is as
sured Of a good living even II he or she
has not great talent, and II he or she be
any way thrifty something of a compe-
tence for old age.
The plant which Mrs. Kendall makes
about women being compelled to buffet,
man fashion, TO win success upon the
stage Is probably true enough, but the
same rule will apply TO any other occupa-
ton in life. Let a woman strive to gain
renown in tho field of literature, journal
time she will have of it.
She will leed all of the pachydermic
qualities my fair compatriot speaks of to
snatch success and tho golden reward
which follows in its wako from hard heart
ed publishers, obdurato editors, unsympa-
thetic judges upon the bench and from an
unfeeling world generally. IL is not upon
the stage alone women arc compelled to
battle for gold and glory Indeed, upon
the stage woman has an equal chance with
man IL she possesses talent, something she
has not in almost any other profession 1
know of. Rachel, Patti Bernharat and
Duse have won as much If not moro endur-
ing fame and substantial monetary recog-
milton as any four male artists know OF. |
Who ever heard of lady journalist, law
yer or doctor faring as we'll with their
masculine compatriotsp
i am frequently asked by friends upon |
this side of the Atlantic that II my tenets |
be true how IL Is that In America there is |
no longer Forrest, a Booth, Davenport |
a Mccullough, Barrett or Cushman. I |
reply simply because the people do not IA |
vor tragedy as Of old. They probably think |
they see enough Of that in daily life. They |
appear to prefer what Is Light and buoynnt; |
what appears to cheer and not depress
Virile melodramn Is about as strong as
they caro to go. Hence actors of tho rising |
generation, with few exceptions, rather
avoid the Legitimate" and tako to that |
species Of dramn which seems to catch she
popular taste and accordingly yields tho
best financial returns. There have been an
iron age, an ago of electricity and few
other important ages, but this IL pre-emi-
nently n gold or silver age, according to
your politics, and everybody, actors in
oluded, appears TO be doing their best 10
get their share Of either precious metal.
That In measure accounts, I think, for
falling OF I'm tragedy talent.
The old law of supply and demand up
plies here as we'll as I'm other cases. Let
therc be pronounced and continued call
for Shakcspoarcan drama and tragedy gen
orally, and you would soon raise another
Edwin Forrest, another Edwin Booth. an
other Charlotte Cusbman. To facilitate
that happy result it would DO we'll TO have
n dramatic conservatory such rs there Is In
Paris, or ono or two groat training schools
such rs there arc In London. That, 70 my
mind, Is almcs: rs essential ne IL Is 20 have
and naval schools at West Point
and Annapolis to bring forth trained ar-
my and naval officers The ambitious Thcs-
plan may have plenty of tal1nt and mako
fn,r progress upon the stage. but tho con-
neryatoTy or training school develops that
talent and gives it proper direction ana
force and speeds the actor fastcr on his or
her way
That there 10 returning love for trnec.
ly In the American heart IL evidenced by
Ihe magnificent receptions rendered Bern
hardt and Duse and the splendid success
they achieved. SO that think it would lie
, wise plan for some sterling American
'ctors now before the public to give n