New-York tribune., 1898-11-13

hardts most imposing roles, and will probably
be given in London and New-YCrk Catulle Men
des's adaptation is not without interest.
The first act, which is essentially prelude, TO
unfold the mind and character of the diabolcal
Medea reveals Jason tired Of his former love
and, fired by ambition, about to marry Grouse,
the daughter Of the King Of Corinth. While
Jason and Grouse are proceeding to the Temple,
accompanied by young maidens, strewing the
path with rose leaves, weird shrieks Of Nal
heur, Malheur, Malheur" are uttered by Medea
from above the rocky cavern of Hecate. Sarah
Bernbardt as she emerges from the clouds with
headdress representing the sun, with long
blazing rays clad in a dark violet and olive
green iridescent flowing robe, gtterine with
turouoises diamonds crystal serpents and anu
lets. with her bare arms hung at writ and
elbow with huge folds Of ridescent crepe, which
give her the appearance of gigantic butterfly,
and with long golden tresses reaching to her
naked feet, presented one Of the most artistic
stage pictures that can be imagined NAL
heur, Malheur, Malheur," are her only words.
CONSERVATION seizes the bridal procession, and
Creon. King of Corinth, pronounces a decree Of
Medea and Jason are together. a violent scene
with the long list OF atrocious crimes she has
committed In an outburst of anger Medea tells
him that he himself is guilty of them because
,bev were committed for him, and it was he
.,onc who prodted by them. But Medeas pas
NON for Jason is stronger even than before
Jason, fearing some terrible act OF vengeance
bas recourse to deception to appease her fury
and it is at this point that Mendes makes
bo
,nr so avoids the monotony OF Eurpdes and
xtrenetbens the situation in the final act.
This innovation. says NJ. Emile Faguet the
veteran Partisan critic, lis greatly TO the honor
of Catuue Mendes" Jason becomes tender and
vie,ds to the prayers Of the mother OF his be-
,oved children. Sarah Bernhardt is radiant in
. garment of rose-coored iridescent texture
~rnhroidered with flowers and pink coral, In the
nost Corjnthian profusion and glittering with
. nerfect armor OF emeralds and diamonds.
In the third and last act night has fallen
MADAM is awaiting the coming Of Jason. IT be-
oos onnarent that Jason does not intend to
Heen his promise In her despair and resentful
-ooa Medea calls her two children and ntrusts
% them the fatal veil which, with magic power
h,,r,s IN death whoever puts it on. The chill
Avon bear in a golden basket the supernatural
.u and bring il to JasOns bride, Who fas-
r,nated by its beauty folds it about her IT
eats into her flesh and consumes her 10 oeath'
This scene is not produced on the stage put Is
related in narrowing detail by the two children
whom. with dabolical fury, Medea questions
~ as to bring into relief every stage OF this
,ncincration and every phase OF Creuses ex-
cruciating torture. The scene, as rendered by
Sarah Bernhardt, is at once terrific and repui-
ave When Jason mad with despair and in
toxicated with anger, rushes forth sword IN
hand 10 slay Medea, she completes her VEN
.cance on him by suddenly revealing the
oorpses Of their two sons. whom she has be-