The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-10-29
By DOLLY DALRYMPLD
MISS EUGENE BLAIR
the part of the woman-JacquelineG I

the part of the woman-JaequelineT" I asked.
 'pThe first real impression that I got of her type-the woman who is addicted to the drug habit" said Miss Blair, "came about through a picture I saw in the Corcoran Art Gallery in Washington. Have you seen 1t? The lone solitary fig ure in blaek-the miserable wretch of a woman who is under the influence Of absinthe. It hangs near the other re- markable canvas of the same kind-John McCameron's fascinating hideosity, Les Amis.' Most of the absinthe drinkers I've discovered since I've studied Madame X, are in a state of leaden stupor. just as those pictures show-and only at rare in- tervals do they display that brief demonlacal fury which l endeavor to ex- press in the murder scene The woman Jacquelne at heart, is kind. refined and gentle, hence that Idea must be kept in mind in the portrayal. In my studies of the character l even went so far as to ascertain from different physicians, just exactly the amount of ether, that was necessary to use. in putting a person un- der the influence to just the proper ex- tent, and the bottle that I use in the play, about two ounce phial, holds the amount necessary to produce the effect" ,"
 And that curious spasmodic cough each time she places the ether bottle to her lips?'' 1 asked.
 Tt portrays the effect of a congestion of the lungs from the fumes of the high | ly volatile flui
 Every role that I play" Miss Blair I.continued, 'is to me like doll to a child. pick it apart and analyze it as the child undresses it's doll to find that It's | little body is made of sawdust."
 And do you feel the tears-are they real tears ever-in that last pathetic ] scena in Madame N"
 There has never been a time when I played that scene, which lasts only about seven minutes. if you recall that haven { shed REAL tears," said she. That may seem impossible to the spectator, but it | is very real to me, and why not? The theme is the most beautiful in all the world--a mothers love--for after all, there is no love under or above the world greater than mothers love. It is the real Rock of Ages. It is Gods love made manifest here It is the only all forgiving, all embracing, and understanding love out side of Heaven-but then, it ought to be since it comes straight from heaven"
 Your sincerity in the portrayal of your various roles-how do you acquire it. | the effect--the training-the being as 1t were the person herself?" asked Those things are innate" said Miss Blair Take two children who start with their music lessons. One of them has | talent-genius-what you willard learn readily. The other acquires mechanical | effeot--but how soon the difference is | detected. One is mechanism, pure and simple. the other is inspiration.' And your success-to what do you at- ] tribute it chiefly?" I asked.
 "I think I can answer in the words of Zaza," Miss Blair said gently. Through much work: much suffering; many tears, and a little love-"
 We talked on and on--not always in so conservative a vein, for while she is above all deeply intellectual, yet with | the seriousness which comes with study and high ideals. Miss Blair's humor flashes like sunshine with the mon comaradarie of the true fellowship which makes her
 as delightful, chatting informally, as \ when, with a purity of diction and a | voice which has in 1t the golden sweet ness of the song of the nightingale. she | lifts you beyond a futile oneness of self of a multiplicity of selves, and | throws open the door to a world where in one may change joy and sorrow with
 a gown-nationality with a wig, and grease paint and character and tempera- ] ment with an authors lines.