New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-05-23
THE DRAMA.
HISS KALICH AS FEDORA.
American Theatre.

xlxs Bertha Kalieh. the Polish actress who for
asa last ton years has been hailed with enthusiastic
asEairson by the Yiddsh East Side. last night ap-
pssrsc DOR the first time the English speaking
stsFs playing Fedora. with the support of Mr.
Yawcetts company, at the American Theatre. The
audience was cosmopolitan affair. with the black
curly locks OF Miss Ralich's East Side supporters
ere PREDOMINANT note, and the tremendous volume
~ applause which these friends of hers gave vent
- made Il bit difficult Judge Just how great
X impressed the English speaking portion OF
.he audience was-the managers and literary
rotahlss and sth-ave. patrons OF the theatre
vrho were 5umbled together through the house.
probably however. those who, like the man
from Missouri. have 10 be shown, and who
we're skeptcal before the curtain rose Of the repu-
cation OF this East Side actress, were richly
r-,sd while those who have seen Miss Kalich act
I, Yiddish. not only in Fedora. but in the natural
,sfie dramas Of Jacob Gordin, were little disap-
-outed. II was a trained actress, vital actress
sn actress who could touch the emotions with sure
snd big strokes. that swan into the ken OF Broad
,-av last night. But the verdict will probably be
sud Justly so-that It was an actress lacking STILL
vhether from want Of familiarity with the Eng
iish tongue or for deeper reason, the full
qualities Of greatness Miss Kalich s in these lat
Ter days Of art. distinct and important addition
70 our stellar system. But those who would classify
her as a star Of the first magnitude little
premature
Mss Kslich wise in making her bow in
English In Sardous effective piece Of theatrical
chinery. Fedora which does not call for any
particular nicely IN the idom of the language. but
carries the interest along by sheer theatriSalism
by the idjom Of action. 1t calls upon the actress
who plays the title part too. for little expression Of
psychological subtety, but for the unlimited express
sion OF few broad, strongly contraste6 elemental
passions anxiety, grief revenge, love pity and de-
spar. Il is part to Sardoudle in. in other words
and IN such a part Miss Kalich could not fail
win the tribute Of much deserved admiration. were
she 10 play il in a totally alien tongue. She has
a rich and poignant voice. trained singers voice.
that can produce that deep note Of woe. She has
nervous, vibrant personality. which is fitted ad-
rrably 10 the character, who is emotional
rack. Il were, during the entire play. And she
has the secret, whatever IL may be. OF lifting
her audience with her TO q climax and sending
some one has declared is the ultimate test Of
acting Moreover. she does not speak English
with an unpleasant accent and very rarely. in
eesd though this was her first trial, was It at
an difficult TO underst and her. Indeed there were
times when Edwin Arden, who played lpanon
otherwise commercially, the who could
Tot be understood
When all this is said, however, there remains IN
ones impression Of Miss Kalich's art a sense OF
something lacking. some absence Of distinction,
some inability, except at the theatrical moments,
ultimately interest the behoder If the subject
matter of Fedora" were of more interest. If Miss
Kalich spoke more fluent English. would this lack
s1iu be felt? Time alone will tell, but the answer
will probably BE- yes. The Polish fire burns hercely
IN this woman. but there is q sense OF thinness
about the fame Its illumination has not the
amplitude OF the greater lights.