New-York tribune., 1906-04-04
THE DRAMA.
MANSFIELD AS THE MIsANTHRoPE.
New Amsterdam Theatre.


ano'ner great audience last night. by his subtle
anu hhey finished irupersonation of Alceste, in
'l"heIes ) comedy OF THE Msanthrope." That part
was ADOPTED into his repertory last year Che played
II LOT 'he nrst time April TO- 1861 and he caused
ipIise 10 many and gave delight TO all by his
perlec' assumption of French style-the quality
that Moheres play inexorably requires Human
nature Is much the the world over. and an
AIceste is as possible in New York in Paris: but
The Msanthrope'' is among other things.
picture of manners in a foreign land and a past
age and the faithful presentment of it involves
imaginative apprehension OF social conditions and
oemeanor thereto conforrlable
N1r- Mansfield at the first, seemed figure
emergent from the illustrious court of Louis XIV.
and from the first he identified himself with
Aloeste as character. His impersonation Of that
Hhsahthropcal gentleman.-which has elsewhere
oeen many times repeated.-has, of course become
more fluent and more firm; but in fibre and EXPIRES
sioh IL remains unchanged. Alceste is honest
man. who speaks the truth and who purposes to
exact the truth, in all things from the world around
h but he is fastidious in taste splenetic in tenn
perament; intolerant in disposition: infexibe IN
morals: somewhat bitter in w.t. and he lacks both
wisdom and humor. Looking abroad upon society he
hnds ii iniqutous; corrupt hypocritica: decetful:
sordid: devoted the pursuit OF sensual pleasure
blasted with artiice: contemplate with frippery;
and not only deficient of high ideals. but incapable
OF eomprehendins them He considers himself
De always right. and, in the main, he is Such
man must, inevitably. build wall around him
self and become misanthropical cynie. There is
no other way open TO hiu-for all social life is de-
pendabls on compromise allowance. and conces-
sion The same state OF things. mental and moral
is existent now that was existent in the time OF
Moiers. LiarE, hypocrites slanderers traitors
knaves, and fools are just as numerous now as
then Lies are just as abundant Duplicity and
meanness flourish In Just as much luxuriance
Dullards abound Donkeys sit in high places and
waggle their ears much as ever And IL any
Intellectual. sensitive gentle person. wom-
an would have any peace in life. there is the same
necessity for discreet silence. good natured tolera-
uon philosophical indifference. and smiling secret
contempt Every human being is alone. and happi-
ness, if u come at all, must come from within
Moere. probably, drew Alceste from phase OF
his own mind and one segment of his own bitter,
humihating. heart-breaking experience; for he
was continually cajoled, stung and overborne by
butterfly courtieFs-the gadiies of corrupt royal
court-and he was married 10 treacherous young
woman, an inveterate coquette, who tormented him
and broke his spirit. The character of Celimene
is no fiction. Alceste. however. not put for
ward character for imitation. but rather a
representative type Of human nature; an essential
component part of n presentment of human society.
Mr.. Mansields associate players are mostly at
ODDS with the theme OF the comedy. Their crude
assumptions OF artifce create little no illusory
effect Their acting indeed is neat and CAREFUL
though in the vein of caricature than that of
character Miss Barry. Celimene. is judicous in
her levity and affectation; and the sprightly en-
counter between Celimene and Arsinoe,-an episode
OF feminine spite and rancorous malice.-is made
piQuant and effective Miss Barry's elocution. how
ever would be agreeable if II more dis
tnct. less monotonous. rectifed by right emphasis.
and illumined by expressive facial play and intel
Agiby illustrative demeanoT. In scenes that lack
action land this is play in which all is said and
scarcely anything done), the dependence must.
necessarily, be placed on the animated conduct of
the speakers of colloquy. But Mr.. Mansheld's por-
traiture of the central part is vital with sincerity,
essentially poetic in ideal and marked with lovely
delcacy Of expressive method. The figure of Aceste,
a. presented by the comedian, is that OF a hand
some proud, reserved. fastdious aristocrat while
the temperament is nervous. febre. restless.
anxious suspicious. and pertuTbed His demeanoT
has natural authority. His voice rings true, with
the note Of a refined, caustic sarcasm He
launches his darts, whether of truth, or latent
sarcasm, cold irony, or scoTching Tidlcule, IN
a swift strain of pungent wit. which, while IT
pierces its victim. reveals the strife and pain
in his breast. His expression of Alceste's
love for Celimene is sympathetic and deeply touch
ing its sincerity. all the more because so desc
late with sorrowful doubt and miserable apprehen-
sion. His final appeal TO whatever is good in that
heartless woman is magnificent with the eloquenoe
Of liberated passion The tracery Of the perform
ance.-showing the unhappy lovers gradual change
from doubt to conviction. from the bitterness OF
despair TO the utter abandonment of defiant
desperate rage.-is at fortunate design and
beautiful in treatment. The part, whole. may
be said TO typify virtue defeated. from lack oi
wisdom, and kindness converted TO inveterate
misanthrOpy. somewhat because OF experience work.
ing a latent bias toward cyncism. but more
because OF heart-breaking treachery and cruel dis
appointment. Exigent auditors who insist that
every play should have moral will, perhaps FIND
/ the moral OF The Misanthrope" (and be conten
therewith). in the sagaeious comment of AIeestei
/ friend Phinte: Good avoids extremes anC
! II is supreme folly 10 make ourselves busy in cor
rectng the world" The appreciative lover of act
9
Mr. Mansfeld's impersonation oe Aleeste. will more
wisely, reflect that the genius of that fine actor
/ has acquainted him with the full practical vaIu,
! Of important classic of French comedy anC
stored his memory with a poetic figure that is rcf
with wise significance impressive with auster,
beauty and not less lovabe than romantieaIIy
strange.
CAST OF THE MIsANTHRoPE"