New-York tribune., 1898-01-16
"CYRANO DE BERGERAC."
A TRIUMPH FOR COQUELTN AT THE
PORTE SAINT MARTIN.
ExrREME EXPRESSIONS OF ENTHUSIASM FOR
HIS AcrING AND FOR THE PLAYA DRAMA
Full OF ACTION. YET IDYILIc
AND PATHETIC
AND PATHETIC.


Paris December 81.
new poet revealed to the Parisiai
world on Tuesday night, upon the occasion o.
he production at the Porte Saint Martin Thea
tre Of "Cyraro de Bergerac," melodrama II
verse by Edmond Rostand, who, although only
twcnty-nine years old, is proclaimed by
such veteran and crcumspect critics as Fran
cisque Sarccy, Jules Lemaitre, Henry Fouquier
Folk DuQuesnel, Henry Bauer and Catuile
Mendes as "the foremost living French dra
matte vcrsher"
The young poet was fortunate enough to have
Constant Coqueln interpret the exhausting titl'
part and Coquelin's Cyrano is now pronounced
to he the most masterful creation in that ac
complshed comedians career In conversation
at the close of the first nights performance M
Coquelin in reply to the writer's request for ar
expression of his appreoiations of this imper
sonation, which has now become the talk o.
"all Paris" said Il consider Cyrano de Ber
gerac' to be- without any exception, the creates
role of the French stage There versa
tlity, wealth OF thought profound philosoph,
ard a deicacy OF sentiment woven together
with an irresistible dramatic force and actor
that Is elsewhere only TO be found in Shakes
peare The young author has combined the the
poetical conception Of Victor Hugo, but Ros
tands versifcation is absolutely unique. 1t has
an innate French charm and rhythm that art
indescrbab bic. For months | have studied the
part night and day. l have never before de
voted such interchangeable labor to any one i'm
personation, but have far from mastered it
and am conscious that ! have not succeeded
In doing this remarkable role the Justice II de
serves. The part is also as far as my know
edge goes. the most fatiguing one In the entire
theatrical repertory. The drama comprises al
together twenty four hundred verses. or these
no less than fourteen hundred in the role o
Cyrano To appreciate this It must be remem
bered that Ruy Bias and Mascarille which have
hitherto been considered the most cxhaustine
parts known to the French stage. have respec
uVely LOO and 100 verses In addition to thi.
prodigious quantity Of verse the ceaseless move.
nent and action of Cyrano are something ap
palling."
WHAT NINE BERNHARDT THINKS OF IT
With these words the comedian removed his
helmet and his long false nose and was fairly
dripping with perspiration
On Tuesday night, when the curtain fell upor
lies Mauvas Bergers' at the Renaissance The
atre. which Is next door to that of the Porte
Saint Martin Sarah Bernhardt hastened to see
the last act OF "Cyrano de Bergerac." She had
moreover, been present at more than one OF the
rehearsals. 1t was with enthusiastic interest
that Nine Bernhardt watched the performance
When asked if she would express her opinion OF
II. Rostands play and OF NJ Coquelin's acting
she replied: Il can assure you, It is vain pre-
diction TO say that this drama will have it's place
In French dramatic literature beside MOliere's
Etourdie and Victor Hugos Ruy Bias 'Cy-
rano dc Bergerac is a masterpiece. every coup
let of which is permeated with the true French
spirit. The genius Of this young dramatic poet
has found means of painting his conce ptions
with purity Of language and a niccty OF
phraseology that be fully appreciated only
by the most discriminating French ear The
flowing versliication OF Rostand has the same
captivating spell and enchantment for French
audience that the poetry Of Shakespeare has
with English speaking audience, and both
unhappiy are absolutely incapable OF being
translated"
When asked what she thought Of Coquelin'
acting. Nine. Bernhardt said: 1T is superb.
know of no other artist who could master such
an exhausting role. 1t is, in my opinion, the
most powerful most finished and, In short the
best impersonation Of Coquelin's career. Abr
continued Nine Bernhardt, Il have never be-
Tore IN my life Witnessed such poem inter
preted 10y such comedian ! am not an Ib-
senist and sitting with the audience tonight
felt the thrill Of patriotism If one may use the
expression where art is concerned that ran
through the house when listening to this pure
poetry breathing in every line French pre-
cision, French hmpid purity and sparkling Gal
Ii, wit"
THE STORY or THE PLAY
bristlcs Wlth action, and yet presents an idvI OF