The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1903-05-05
mrs. (Ahpbt[L
N TWO pAI}
English Actress in The
Joy of Living" and
"Magda."
FASHIONABLE AUDIENCE

The treat of the theater season was
given at the Spokane yesterday after
noon and last night when Mrs.
Patrick Campbell gave two plays by
the great German dramatist, Hermann
Sudermann.
1t is to be regretted that Mrs.
Campbell did not give The Joy OF
Living" in the evening instead of at
the matinee performance, as this lat
est of Sudermann's problems of so
cial life is undoubtedly the leading
bill in the English actress extensive
repertoire.
The theme of THE Joy of Living"
is in some respects similar to that Of
"Magda." 1t is even more intense
than the latter play ana note of
sorrow runs through it. From the
first the audience realizes the hope
lessness of happiness for the Coun-
tess Kelinghausen and feels that the
denouement to be consistent must be
her death.
There Is not a scene in the long
five acts that does not hold the alb
sorbing attention of all. Particularly
strong are the countess fainting
spells, in which she has recourse to
poison as q stimulant.
One might think the story of a
love that endured for Is years was
one of intrigue, but as the theme
is unfolded by the master hand of
the German playwright this woman's
love for a man who is not her hus-
band shows what great sacrifices a
good woman will make. not expect
ing any reward and with the knowl-
edge that happiness is as dead sea
fruit to her; that peace can be found
only in the grave.
One of the particularly strong
scenes is that in which the young son
Of the Baron Won Verkerlink vir-
tually pronounces sentence upon his
own father because of the latter's
errors in the past.
1t is doubtful if any other actress
could make a success of The Joy of
Living" such as has been made by
Mrs. Campbell 1t is her entire natur-
aJness that relieves the character of
anything stilted. She is intensely
dramatic without an apparent strain
ing after effect. Beautiful and yet
not beautiful. this tall Englishwoman
is extremely fascinating Her mar
velous voice adds to the magnetism
of her presence and she is so thor
oughly unconventional that the charm
fingers long after the curtain has
hidden her from view.
"Magda." which has been seen here
before, is familiar to playgoers, and
suffice it to say that Mrs. Campbell
endows the role with her genius and
stamps it as a creation apart from
the Interpretation of the role by
lesser lights in the theatrical world.
The audiences which greeted both
"The Joy of Living and "Magda"
were large and fashionable. Last
nights audience was the most repre-
sentative gathering of society that
has been seen at the theater this
season.
Mrs. Campbell's supporting com
pany is all that could be desired. En-
met C. King, an. American actor of
reputation, is a strong leading man
and gave a splendid performance of
Count Kelinghausen yesterday after
noon. Wright Kramer and Charles
Bryant were also good as the Baron
Won Verkerlink and his son.
Both plays are staged with the
most minute attention to detail. which
is characteristic of all of Mrs. Camp
bells productions. The staging of
THE Joy of Living" is especially
elaborate and no finer stage setting
than the library scene has been placed
on the local stage.