The Washington herald., 1914-03-17

matinee performance the theater could
not hold the people who sought admis-
sion and when. a year later, Forbes-Rob-
ortson returned to Washington for an
entire week of the tragedy. folk who
could not obtain seats stood three rows
deep in order to witness the PERFORM
ance, since which time the celebrated
E.ngiishman has been accorded the adj
mission of two continents that his Ham
let Is the most firmly established stand
ard characterization on the English
speaking stage.
While Forbes s-Robertson's portrayal of
the Prince of Denmark encompasses all
the salient points of other noted expo
ncnts, embracing poetic and specula-
tive philosophy. il cXcels all others in
eraciousness. elOQuence, and in greater
fidelity TO ShakeSpeare-his art and his
toachinEs-than this generation Of play
cocrs has seen. or is likely to see.
From the moment he rises to reply
with sorrowful Indignation to his mother
Seems. madam, nay it is; l know not
seems and moves across the stage in
perfect unison with his rhythmic delivery
of the iambic pentameters one is con-
fident that his portrayal will be that
which more perfectly accords with the
cOntemplatiVC, yet impUlsiVe, nature or the
Prince than any which the English
speaking stage has known since Booth
Sir Johnston emphasizes the all-persua-
sive influence of the love Hamlet bears
the memory of his father. his scenes with
the ghost being filled with a most inn
prcssive degree of filial respect and
mortal awe. while all the exquisite gra-
ciousness OF his nature: his mate tender
ness: his fine sense Of native courtesy,
and the loftiness of his mind endear him
to his auditors IN his scenes with
Ophelia.
To Horatio he is a friend of the an
cient heroic pattern. Fools and knaves
like Polonius or Rosencraniz and Guild
"nstern he withers ny the very superb
nrity of his nature and even in his
widest transports Of rage against the
King he never forGets his princeliness.
And all through the unfolding of the
tragedy Of Denmark there is Forbes
Rohertson's magic voice, and the fine in
teIectual beauty of his face to enjoy.
Until the end, he sits dead. hut erect,
on the throne with the crown on his
knees. while the soldiers prepare a bier
Of shields to carry him out in state, he
holds one sreIIbound in awe and SYM
pathy.
While Sir Johnston's performance is
quite great enough to hear all the weight
of the play ii does not overshadOw Miss
Gertrude Flliott's OpheIia, characteri- |
zation which she imhues with poetic SIM
plicity. maidenlv tenderness. and much !
pathetic beauty. |
or the other members of the cast who |
bring to their roles marked distinction !
there is Mr.. Rhodes ghost which he !
presents with commendable majesty Of |
manner. and an elocutionary richness |
which is a delight to the ear: Mr.. Ian |
Robertson's vigorous conception of gar
rulous old age as embodied by Polonius;
Adeline Bournes queen mother which is
faithful portrait of Gueenly impera-
tiveness. and S. A COoksons Horatio, a
Characterization presented with quiet dig
nifty.
Other members of the cast succeeded
in imparting the general impression of ex-
cellence maintained by the principals, and
the scenic investure reflects the spirit
and locale of the play. II
Hamlet will be repeated at the
Wednesday matinee and on Saturday
evening: tomorrow evening. '"The Light
That Failed; Wednesday evening. Pass
ing of the Third Floor Back" and Thurs
day evening Mice and Men, will be pre-
sented. JULIA CHANDLER MANI.