The Washington times., 1903-04-14
The Crisis FaVOfably Re-
ceived att the Lafayette by
q Distinguished and Bril-
liant Audience.

With roll of drums and flash of sabers
Mr. Churchill's wartime novel of The
Crisis" was disclosed in dramatized
form at the Lafayette Square Theater
last night The enactment was ac-
complished by James IL Hackett and
company unusually even and strong. and
gave as great pleasure. accordingly, for
the skill with which the drama was
performed as Ter picturesque costumes.
fine sentiment. and coherent sequence of
stirring events To share in this pleas
ure was assembled one of the most bril-
liant audiences of the season. even for
Washington. an audience which filled the
building. and made it echo alternately
with hearty laughter and ringing an
plause.
capable enactment of q good play is
In itself sufficiently noteworthy. but this
appearance Of Mr.. Hackett had an extra
significance, which gave it extraordinary
interest. He presented himself as the
first actor independent of the theatrical
trust who has come 10 Washington in
six years. From that viewpoint several
aspects OF the entertainment are es-
peciaIly TO be noted. The theater thus
committed &o-the use Of the independent
actors is one Of the most beautiful in
TIE entire country. The play a drama
OF the civil war, which was subjected 10
che criticism of community on which
that tragedy conferred. was mounted with
a fidelity 10 fact and free expenditure
of funds, which ranked 1t equal with
the more pretenuous offerings of the
syndicate Nr Hackett was able TO OBJ
tain, further, the assistance Of a SUI
hcient number Of professional associates
to organize a company of extraordinary
merit. Finally the patronage extended
10 him, in spite OF a hard dovnpour OF
rain, indicated that even the average
theateFgoer is indisposed to view com
placently a subsidy of art and sub
ordination of its high purposes to CHEAP
and degrading commercialism.
Opposing Sentiments Aroused by Pic
lures Of the War.
Washington is essentially a Southern
city. It's prejudices have survived all
the contact of the past thirty years. So
IL was that this presentation to eye and
ear OF scenes and Influences which have
long existed only in the memory aroused
Mr.. Hackett's audience of last night to
a peculiar and absorbing demonstra-
tion. The Crisis" is a Just mean be-
tween expressions of loyalty 10 the
North and support. Of the South. II
has been able, therefore, 10 give equal
satisfaction IN New York and New Or
leans But IN Washington both atti-
tudes Of mind and heart prevailed, and
the applause of last night was, in con
sequence. a laughabIe intermiugIing Of
opposing. sentiments
a magazine critic has described The
Crisis as a play notable only for its
atmosphere; there is little for the star
to do, and the dominant feature of the
drama is its absolutely clean and whole /
some vein; there is q sweetness, rather I
than any real strength to the whole IS
Mr.. Hackett has himself said OF the
drama IN The Crisis realized that
there was good material for a play.
strong and rich in character sketches,
and dealing with a significant period in
American history The treatment was
large; the problem was vital The
dramatist must know the life in which
his play is laid; and the actor and his
company must attempt TO give that at
mosphere through acting and scenic ac- /
cessories-
Here, evidently is the play appraised
IN a nutshell. Neither author nor star
has attempted 10 rival Shakespeare. but
rather so to arrange d series OF war
time pictures as 10 refresh the memory, /
delight the eye and touch the heart In /
this they have undoubtedly succeeded. /
The effect Of the drama is manifestIy 10
confirm the highest conception of We
manhood and arouse the emulation Of
men for an unusually strong and manly
portrayal Of manhood
Z Capable Actor at the Head Of Fine
Company.
Nr. Haekett appears as Stephen Brice.
the chief figure Of both novel and play
The role is d distinct and refreshing
contrast with che swashbucl1er imper-
sonations which have been given TO the
stage by this excellent actor il earlier
years. Its requirements are dignity.
calm force and manliness rather than
fmpudence and violent physical proNess. /
To these requirements AIR. HackatL
measures fully. He has but one scene
OF notable opportunity, the last Of the
play. Then. IN less nan half a minute. q
great ard noble affection is released, and /
the audience. like The heroine, Is swept
irresistibIy before it. The fmpersoBation
is not the greatest in Br. Hackett's
career. but It IS decidedly the most well (
c6me 10 those who view acting as the
art CT embodying many dissinilar char
aoters and expressing through them al
high ideals OF life and living.
This association Of dramatic force aud
naimetic fidelity is manifested BY the en- /
tire company. ard IS no doubt a conse-
quence Of Mr. Hackett's vigilance.
The leading feminine role Is that OF
Virginia CarveI. and is assumed by
Charlotte Walker, young woman OF
marked beauty and notable Intelligence.
Her imPersonation displays one Of the (
most common and loyable types Of
Southern girIhood as developed by that /
period Of trial and suffering Her moods 1
vary from impulse, Whim. and pique 10 /
seIf-sacrlfce, womanly devotion, and