Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1906-02-18
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E3#I ton by the Woodward Stock COM
pany at the Burwood OF Sedley
Browns 'Iroquols." II was very much at
tended, each performance being witnessed
by all the people the theater would ao-
conmodato; It was very much discussed,
Tor II contains, in measure, the germs Of
controversy, and was very much praised
and somewhat condemned. Mr.. Brown HIM
self was probably the closest watcher Of
the progress Of the piece during the week
and also It's most merciless critic. Not a
performance was given that he did not
take voluminous notes, looking for any
point In which II might be strengthened
These note-taking times were varied with
consultation with o. ID. Woodward, who
will very likely organize a company and
send the play on a tour of the country
next season. All OF this indicates the in
terest felt in the production. It would not
be fair to either Mr.. Brown or his play to
say that 1t is great as It stands, for 1t is
not. but II contains the elements of great
ness. and with the careful touching up he
proposes to give It, 1t may easily be made
into piece that will find high place in
the list Of current dramatic literature.
In writing the play originally Mr.. Brown
apparently became so absorbed in the de-
that he neglected his others. This Is true
of the character of LaSelle. The central
theme is the racial duel with these two
men dominating the whole action. No rea-
son exists why the white man should not
have an equal show for his white alley
with the red man. 1t is contest Of brains
and dollars; each appears to be we'll
stocked, the advantage going TO the one
who got on the right side of the market
In the play as It is the effect of tempera-
ment is shown. Iroquois is cool and self
possessed at all times. He is not afflicted
with any OF the white mans uncertainty
as to his course, for the traditions of his
race have taught him that all Is fair that
Will lead TO the accomplishment of his end
He gives himself no concern as TO the
ethics Of his position. He simply knows
that he wants a thing. and goes after t.
II he wins. he is that much ahead; II he
loses, he Is no worse of. The white man
Is handicapped by a conscience that has
not been calloused: he is continually in
volved in a doubt to the correctness Of
his course after the duel is once under way
He knows he has made a mistake in one
thing and cannot feel certain that he Is
not mistaken in another. He draws finer
distinctions between right and wrong than
does the red man and is inclined to subtler
processes of reasoning than his rival is
capable of. That he should be nervous and
unstrung is a reasonable condition due to
his experience in the strife that taxes his
energies to the utmost. He has not nor
can he have the fortitude of the Indian
who has back of him the influence of
heredity. a descent from people who de-
lighted in torturing victims In the most
hendish yvav boDiuO on1v to wiring a u-poa "
of anguish from the sufferer, and dancing
in ecstacy of glee when unkind fate threw
into their hands a white man whose nerv-
Gus organism was so highly wrought that
he could not endure the exquisite agonies
devised for his torment by the devils who
delighted in his agony. Julian Iroquois
could endure all the strain that crushed
Arthur LaSalle and not show II. LaSale
breaks down under II. The contrast of the
Indian, triumphant and contemptuous,
spurning the hysterical LaSalle, is the
strongest contrast of the play and indi-
Gates the racial distinction as It is not
otherwise shown. For the sake of the
white man II is hoped Mr.. Brown will find
II. possible to rearrange this scene to
make LaSalles downfall little more dig
nifed. 1t is very dramatic as 1t is. but the
loser could be made a more presentable
figure here without sacrificing the strength
OF the situation in the least
Other figures In the play are conven-
tional. with the probable exception of that
of DR.. Lillian Deane. played last week by
Miss Marie Hudson. This is unique con-
ception in the way of comedy character
and is quite sufficiently outlined to make
1t prominent in the action OF the play
While the comedy is light, It is of the best
modern school and proves a genuine de-
light. All in all, the week of "Iroquois"
was satisfactory one and the play will
doubtless be the gamer for the critical in
spection II has had
Other productions during the week were
interesting. At the Boyd 1.-THE Wizard of
OE" had what proved to be the most profit
able patronage of the season. and ''The
Old Homestead" Jared well as II de-
served The three plays offered at the
Krug had the patronage that has become
habitual at that house, and the best bill OF
the season at the Orpheum did the best
business of the season so far. Generally
speaking. the week was pleasing from
every aspect.
Last Monday night Mr. Otis Skinner made
his debut as star under the management
of Charles Frohman. He had the role OF
the able in Lavedan's drama, THE Duel"
Mr.. Plympton playing the doctor and Miss
Fay Davis the duchess. or the production
Mr. Winter in the Tribune says:
Mr.. Otis SINNERS brilliant ability has
long been conspicuous in romantic drama,
and that would seem to be his rightful do
main. In the character of the Able Daniel
although impressive with earnestness and
strenuous with endeavor. he Is strangely
artificial. The part. probably, does not
deeply appeal to him. The pictorial, cloak
and-dagger method certainly does not har-
monte with modern pTtestly hablliments;
nor does somewhat liberal use OF the
long. pointing forefnger OF George Fred
erick Cooke enhance its effect of nature
The actor, however, should be cordially
commended for a clear, consistent fluent
impersonation of a fervid pietist, much per-
picked with STRINGS Of human passion.
Mr.. Skinner uses, with exceptional skill.
the broad, fine, free style OF gesticulation-
lifting the arms above the head-that was
peculiar TO the old.time actors. In order
TO maintain the youth OF the priest Cor so
II appears, he pitches his tones somewhat
high, and thus he makes the vocallsm In
sincere. His voice. naturally, is very rich
and sympathetic. The line OF light paint
down the priests nose, placed there in or
der to straighten that feature-which is
quite unnecessary-is too strong. and be-
comes disagreement. In the rebuke to
the agnostic brother Mr.. Skinner rose TO a
noble height OF solemnity and. at the same
time. OF virtuous passion. Mr. Standing
DIR MOreV gives aNCaiiant