The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-04-08

Indeed in another local theatre this
week there is not dissimllar motive
treated to a new twist
In the classic times, or the mediaeval
hges and down along, the problem was
often solved In general and picturesque
slaughter of the principals. This prac-
tice, indeed. descended as something OF a
rule down to quite recent days, while
even now. In something less than our best
society II Is occasionally invoked. Az a
rule, however, the machinery OF the di-
Vorce court, has interfered 10 rob the
present day solution Of much picturesque
ness.
Great poets have made the legend of
Francesca conspicuous among many an
other tale of the sort that must have
offered dramatic possibilities II properly
handled. Dante identified Francesca and
Paolo among the host OF similar graceless
persons suffering the peculiar torture
through eternity provided for their earth
~ sin. He was moved TO such pity that
he tainted. Other great poets made verse
and drama around the episode as speci-
ticaiiy illustrated by Francesca and Paolo
And George Booker wrote this great
poetic play about IL.
Mr.. Otis skinner is an eminent sue
sessor 10 line OF actors whom we are
sometimes disposed to think has no
worthy representative on the contem-
porary English speaking stage, barring
Sir Henry Irving. Mr.. Skinner has tenn
perament, capacity and training for the
tragic role and the classic drama He
leads the verse as only the most eminent
actors have read IT, and he possesses
style and distinction probably beyond any
other living exponent OF the grand drama
among American actors. Probably the
performance he gave Of Lanciotto last
evening has never been surpassed in this
country. IL was performance that
aroused his audience 10 tremendous ova-
tion in the scene where Francesca is
brought TO, him for marriage and that.
even from that splendid climax pro-
gressed without slip OF break to the
final tragedy.
The play. I'm theme and writing OF
course. Is an appealing one to an audi
ence. The story is told as directly as
beautifully. IL appeals 20 the emotions
and to the intelligence. Thus powerful in
initial essentials. II becomes magnificent
when produced as Mr.. skinner Is doing
1t. with an adequate company and a scenic
OUTFIT OF great beauty and magnitude.
There are eight sets OF elaborate scenery
provided for the production. n wealth OF
fine costuming and appointments dis
tinguished for artistic completeness
Miss Van Dresser. who portrays Fran
cesca. Is as handsome as a goddess OF
liberty. In the more tender scenes she Is
engaging In all respects. In the more
strongly emotional passages she inclints
20 monotony. IL Il. naturally difficult for
an actress who has achieved distinction
in the modern society drama 90 translate
herself 20 the atmosphere OF such n part
Miss Van Dresser gives y careful and con-
scientious performance. however and II
H. often delightful
Mr.. Morris iil-natured and revengeful
Jester. a part that has been known TO
rival that ~ the star. Hives up to the
traditions of the part and fails only where
he goes beyond. lie ovcr-acte on occa-
sion. but IN the more important passages
he matches the verse splendidly
Mr. Boucicsult, versatile and talented