The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1901-12-29

II HAT AUDIENCES for Shakespeare
are so limited as compared to
those for the modern drama, need
hardly be taken as Indicating a popu-
lar indifference to his plays, but rather
to a popular Indifference towards the
plans on which they are usually pre-
scented. Popular interest in them is
almost universal, and the study of
Shakespeare is an essential in all the
best schools where English is spoken.
DIT. John Sharp, noted English
churchman, stated that the study of
Shakespeare and the Bible made him
archbishop Of York.
The local interest already eXeTted in
the coming appearance of Madame
L10dieska and Mr.. Louis James in
Henry VIII is an eloquent indication
of a healthy regard for the classics
when they are to be portrayed by art
lists worthlIy equipped for the great
task. It is to be hoped that a rare
occasion such as this viii be viewed
not 50 much in the light of the enter
tainment it offers, but in the all
important opportunity it presents for
the study of Shakespeare. Intending
patrons are reminded that from this
point of view a greater and more last
ing enjoyment is at hand than there
can possibly be from any other 1t is
an opportunity such as is not likely to
reLI- for many years to come.
Among the writer's of today on dra-
matte affairs few are more worthy of
being quoted than Mr.. Alfred Ayers.
who has upheld the dignity of the
drama as an institution of this coun-
try more than most of his fellows. III
a recent and tersely written article he
pointed out very intelligently the es-
sential method to adopt in order to
best enjoy a great drama, and to be
come an intelligent and critical au-
ditOr. His remarks apply with great
force to the cEarac ters Of Queen Cath
crime and Cardinal WOlsey, now to be
portrayed by Madame MOdjeska and
Louis James.
Let us suppose" says Mr. Ayers,
that the play be Shakespeare's 'Mer-
chant of Venice If YOU are not al
ready familiar with it, read it, read
it carefully, re-read it, form your own
conceptions of the characters, espec-
tally Of the principal characters. Look
closely at their great scenes and at
their important speeches. Look. for
example, at Shylock's great scene Wig
Tubal, at the trial scene and at POr-
tia's great speech when she pleads for
mercy If YOU even go as far as to
memorize this famous speech, all the
better. Then compare your impress
siuns with what the players do. Pre-
pare yourself in this manner and you
viii be surprised to see how greatly the
pleasure of seeing classical drama
VIII be heightened
To thoroughly enjoy the coming pro
ductiOn of Henry VIII Mr.. Ayers
advice is even more applicable than
were il the Merchant Of Venice" for
Henry WIZ has not been presented
IN America for more than ten years,
and vet il contains the Tarest gems
of subtle thought and some OF the most
wonderful word painting in all Htera-
ture The subject Of the play is the
ruin Of great persons and the worldly
triumph of selfish, sordid arrogance
and cowardIy oppression. The play
teaches charity and kindness, and that
there is nothing higher or better in
the world than TO be helpful TO others
Intending patrons should study the
great trial scene of Queen Catherine,
and form an idea OF what her real de-
meanor would be under so terrible a
strain. They will then be able to yet
ter appreciate the analytical refinement
and the Intellectual majesty of the
famous Polish actress. They should
f8miliariZe themselves with the crafty
and sinuous Wolsey, one of the most
famous prelates that history has re-
corded. They should pay special at
tenti0n to his glorious sptech-his fas'e-
well to ambition; learn it by heart. as
M. Ayers would say, and they viii
be the better able TO measure Mr
Louis James embodiment Of the great
cardinal.
In following such lines one VIII bet
ter understand the familiar aphorism.
"A thorough knowledge Of Shakespeare !
g an education in itself"