The Washington herald., 1909-02-21
The NationaI-Robert ManteII.

| The legitimate drama VIII have its most
pretentious representation during the
coming week al the New National The
later. when Mr.. Robert Hantell. under the
direction Of William A. Brady. viii appear
in a repertoire OF no less than nine sepa-
rate classic plays. seven OF which are
from the pen OF that master playwright,
William Shakespeare
Mr.. Mantell IS a tragedisn well and
favOrably known here. Il were super
fiuous 20 add words concerning the
steady progress Of this actor in. the field
Iof Shakespeare His portraysls are made
with strength. variety. and consummate
artistry. and the productions are en-
bellished with taste and with due regard
for historical accuracy.
The repertoire for the local engagement
viii include The Lady OF Lyons King
Richard III. Romeo and Juliet. Louis
NJ, 'Richelieu. Hamlet" The Mer-
lchant Of Venice, King Lear" and Mac
beth. IN this repertoire there IS enough
variety 20 please al classes Of theater-
gOers. The novelties for the week are
Louis NJ and Romeo and juliet" The
first-named play is but little known 10 the
T
though Il has figured largely in the roper
toire Of tragesiians Of repute. Refer ere
ated the role IN Paris when first pro-
lduced there. Charles Kean. Sir Henry
irving. and William f. Sheridan added
isu-elS by their intense presentations of
the crafty Louis. II may be AIDED. Louis
XT' is modern and swift in action. IFS
story has picturesque movement. and the
period in which Il is laid affords every
opportunity for a romantic and heart-core-
pelling story. The figure OF Louis. the
sinister, misery. yet crafty, with his
lsuperstitions physical weakness. yet
strength Of mind and VIII. combine 20
furnish powerful and tremendous figure
for stage purposes.
Concerning Romeo and Juliet" Il IS
enough 10 all that its revival this time
calls to mind the fact that I'm this epoch
OF passion Mr. Manteli first scored his
great triumph and as a jeune premier
captured London audiences in the early
's9s- In this tragedy Mr. ManteH VIII
have Miss Marie Booth Russell as Juliet
For a~term Of years Mr.. Mantell has
held the proud position Of being Ameri-
cas- most important and artistic TRACE
dian. and his extensive repertoire indi-
Gates the masterfuI endeavor TO rehabili-
tate and interest in the classic drama. It
is the inpersonatiOn Of heroic and classic
figures alone that the stage may con-
serve and preserve the art Of acting. for
in the ephemeral products of the modern
playwright elOcution and dictum are Of
such slight consequence that the actor is
little more than mimic or lay figure. It
is in the reading. in the sonorous and
mellow delivery OF lines. poetic and
tragic concept, and psychic end sub
jectiye output. that Mr.. ManteU has
been accorded such place on the line"
in the gallery OF distinguished artists
Mr.. MantelFs repertoire for his engage
ment at the New National Theater viii
be arranged as follows:
Monday matinee (Washington's Birth
day). The Lady OF Lyons" Monday
night. Macbeth" Tuesday night. King
Lear" Wednesday matinee. The Msr-
chant Of Venice Wednesday night
Hamlet" Thursday night, ''RicheIeu;
Friday night. Louis XII Saturday mat
inee, Romeo and Jaliet." and Saturday
night. King Richard III"
on Tuesday night ('King Lear the
management Of the New National will
entertain the pupils Of the senior classes
Washington high schools. the night hsv-
ing been designated High school night. 90
The pupils viii be admitted free BY
special arrangement with the board OF
education.
At the matinee performances the cur
tain will rise promptly at o'clock and
at S O'Clock for all evening performances.