The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-03-01

it was not the tragedy nor yet the ac-
tors who made the impression, but the
supernumeraries. The Dramatic Mir
ror" said of this production:
In the Senate scene the supers
formed dense background Tor the deed
Of the arch-conspirators. The assassi-
nation was effectively managed and the
business OF the citizens. senator's. and
others was singularly realistic. In the
forum scene. however, the mob fairly
eciipsed all mobs that have been seen
on the American stage. They played
the scene so well, indeed, that Anthony
and the corpse of Caesar sank into in
significance. 1t was a peculiar and
Eell-nigh unprecedented exhibitiOn-the
stars actually became subsidiary while
the supers became the stars. In itself
he acting OF these eager. shouting
vacillating citizens OF Caesars Rome
was praiseworthy'in the highest degree:
but IL was all bad art-all the reversal
OF the true relations OF The dominant
and subordinate. 1t pleased the specta-
tors that expected just such a distor-
tion and came ready TO cheer it, but IL
disturbed rudely the thoughtful specta-
tors sense Of proportion and of artistic
propriety.''
Warde and James appeared several
years later. beginning a long tour with
first production in Washington The
premiere occurred in August on a very
warm night, and was a marked success.
Both Warde and James are excellent ac-
tors. within a somewhat limited sphere.
and they appeared 10 great advantage as
Anthony and Brutus. Their production
was unfortunately hampered. however,
by rather an inadequate support, only
one other role being well acted-that OF
Cassius by Charles D. Hermann
This is a long list. although only an
outline Of the representations Of
Caesar" on the stage. But none of
these representations deserved pre-emi-
nence pictorially. Nearly all were ade-
quately mounted; there was even some
objection TO anything more than the
most necessary equipment; but Rome, as
it existed in the day Of the great Caesar
has never, in the course of the whole
history Of this great tragedy. been suf-
ficiently represented.
An actor secure in the public favor and
capable OF enacting a great role had
thus at the outset of the current season
a great opportunity. A noble tragedy
as familiar as any other work in Eng
lish. imbued with the genius of the
greatest figure in the history of English
literature. reflective Of the most SPLEEN
did age in the history of the worlds
greatest empire. lay neglected. To this
opportunity. with all its responsibilities.
the foremost actor on the American
stage has arisen. By general consent
he has given to this play the most beat
tifuI and accurate equipment it has ever
received: he has organized a company
as capable, probably, as can now be OBJ
tanned without the cooperation of many
actors hardly less eminent than himself:
he has himself undertaken the chief rcie
and has interpreted il in such manner
as TO lend TO II added force. and infuse
into il a hitherto unknown humanity
Such a production as this is a notable
triumph for actor and manager. But in
view OF the strange history Of this play
it is much more 10 be noted as a great
opportunity for students OF the drama
and intelligent patrons OF the theater.
A l.. A.