Evening star., 1898-11-15
AMUSEMENTS. A


tion with which hearty applause was be-
slowed at the Columbia Theater last night
was a guarantee of it's sincerity. Mr.
Charles r. Hanford has gradually lost the
right to be known as "a Washington actor.
He belongs to the country at large and
whatever his own sentiments in the matter
may be his visit here is only an episode
and the applause but an echo of the ap-
proval which greets him wherever he has
appeared this season. If Mr.. Hanford had
need to ask indulgences local pride and per-
sonal popularity would assure them: but
there is no such need. He brings record
OF success, ripe experience earned in the
eXactlng school of practical endeavor, stage
accouterments which comply with the mod
ern demand for scenic display and a COM
pany which compares favorably with those
onered by the tragedians of the past whose
performances live in popular memory as
ideals. Mr.. Hanford makes the first offer
ing of the higher classics that Washington
has had in some time. While Shake
spearean play makes a strong intellectual!
appeal it carries with it a compenSatinS
relief. In contemplating the performance
of 'Othello' last night the spectator had
the advantage of feeling that there were
no elements of fad or faction to be consd-
cred in connection with its status in public
opinion Professional criticism had its
fling at it centuries ago, and it owes thanks
to nothing except the law which prescribes
the survival of the fittest. But the accept
ance or play as a masterpiece centers
the attention of an audience on the per-
formance to a degree which submits the
actor to a crucial test at every appear
ance Ihere are no surprises of situation,
no unexpected turns of plot nor unforeseen
eHuigenceS of rhetoric to gloss or excuse
lnadequacy in the portrayal of a character
Inc older theater goers bring reverent rec
objections of Booth and Barrett-perhaps of
forrest-and the younger ones come fresh
d.
ton of a syllable from the text
MI Hanford possesses in an eminent de-
gree that first requisite of a Shakespearean
actor-the ability to read WELL The value
ol pause, the force of slight infection.
are lnstlnctlVely measured in his mind and
the close Intelligence with which he con-
Veys the poetic intention is not less CRATE
ful to the mind than his vigorous deciama-
uon ana plcturesqueness of pose are to the
eye HIS musical voice has an eiocutionary
range which makes his expressions of light
er moods convincing as well as his eXhibi-
tons of profound emotion
NOT only does the poison of jealousy with
winch Othello'S mind is touched by Desde-
monas own father, make its effects gradu-
dlly ana logically apparent so as to pre-
serve interest in the psychic. but the inter
-etatlon mas that physical obustness VIII ch
-IroEes me loyal ana discriminating gauery
10 lavish its applause and bestow supstan.
tlal homage at the box office. And there
Is no mistakng the meaning of a
.rioute m from the gallery such as greet
ed Mr.. Hanford last night. There is
no school of criticism more discerning
ana lneXorable than that which dis
dalns the beguilements of luxurious up.
Nolstery ana the proximity of social emf
hence 10 have the applause of the down.
Stars public means much; but the actor
VINO is favored of the gods" is, when all
accounts are reckoned, the one most to be
ehyied. There was no dissension from the
approval which greeted Mr.. Hanford last
night, and the assertion in his cur
tam speech that the maxim about "a proph-
cts not finding honor in his own country
mas mas, oeeh olsproVed in his case was just, as
well as apropos Mr.. Frank Henning was
IN nigh favor as 'Iago." His Characterised
tlon OF the ancient is robust rather than
suotIe, but 1t showed study and discretion
tSa: hiss MARIE Drofnah made a charming Des
uemona, winning a liberal share of the en-
thuslasm. Mr. John A. Ellsler made the
part OF Brabantio stand out with prom
lnence that only a veteran such as he is
,,ti uVuiu give 1t, and Mr.. Lawrence Lowell
utlhzed MS opportunities as Cassie to their
utmost limits and was received with un-
mistakable favor. Miss Mary Timberman
IS an actress of marked talents and the re-
malnder of the cast showed the esprit de
corps which comes from long association
ana capable stage management. Tonight
Julus Caesar will be performed, with Mr.
aan1ord as Brutus. Later in the week
Eaesar Will be again produced with Mr.
Hanford as Mark Antony.
new NEW NATIONAL THEATER-"Thc
Iree OF knowledge the sstage-is
nelther new nor interesting and Mr. James
"a Hacketts many Washington friends are
slao the talented young gentleman Is sa0r
TO separate himself from the piece 1t is
the dreadfuly old story rehearsed 50 Of
ten, of the young man innocent thina r.ho
goes out into the world, falls an only too
wiling victim to a heartless woman be-
comes her lover In after years, a deser-
tlon having taken place meanwhile the
n. a ha 20
our leading mans best friend. Then fo'-
low the efforts of the reformed to show
ms irlehd the true character of the woman
ne has welded. 1t is the scenes between
the woman and her husbands friend unon
which The Tree depends for it's sole
strength. In fact, it might be said il all
depends upon one scene, which, by the way.
IS d STACY affair at best. To proceed with
the story, the horrid woman in her search
Tor happiness in gold. finally deserts her
husband in spite of Mr.. Hacketts efforts
70 restrain her, and flies to her "yearning
larlS with Mr.. Lotus Roupel in the ner
son of Arthur Hoops, a caIlous and ;nfer
estlng old fellow, who has MANY wise saw
lhss placed in his mouth Mr. Hoops is an
important factor in the go of tba ~,
ductior. o pio
The audience is taken through these
Pdlhlui scenes, where woman is made the
butt OF all that is bad for no other pur-
posi- IMAM Laura Jean Libbey denoue-
ment-the marriage of the repentant vounp
man ana ms trusting, loving ward the han
plhess OF Mother" and all that sort Of
thlnS Ii we must have such prosaic end
ings to all plays, why will not the play
"f4Shts cultivate more fertile and pleas
ahter helds, instead of never ceasinp ia
bul dcn the public with stories OF the Wro o
doihSs ol man and woman Who is there
today who knows not the wages of sin? In
Mr X. [. Cartons play at the National
Iheater the ancient theme is surrounded
by mortsaged home, an erratic old retired
army othcer, an English gardener, and
other very commonplace and dull accom-
panlments.
The Tree of knowledge" is not redeemed
by a finished cast and production. such as
i'll the case of The Conquerors and
again, 1t may be said that it is with pleas
ure Mr. Hachetts friends have heard of
his forthcoming change for the better for
he Will soon be seen in Anthony Homes
sequel to the Prisoner of Zenda" in the
play to be taken from h ) latest hook
Rupert of HentZau." Mr. Hackett haS
been favorite in Washington for many
years, and it is to be hoped THE Tree
Will not strain the pleasant relations now
existing between him and the better class
of theatergoers. In his manly roles he
Will ever be popular, and last night he was
warmly welcomed. He possesses remark
able ability and continues to climb higher
and higher toward the pinnacle of dra-
matte fame with each succeeding season.
His ascent has been watched with Jealous
yes here in he toll p;t,