Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-03-17
Belasco.

1t may have been the posluVe An-
nouncement that the current engage
men. Of Sir Johnston Forbes-Robertson
Is the last he will ever play IN Wasnine-
ton that accounted for the extraordinary
attendance at the Belasco Theater last
night. The audience was one OF ais
tinction, as well as numbers, ana tne
appreciation manifested would nave
justified much more than the modest
acknowledgment which the star per-
mitted himself to make. 1t was one or
the occasions when the thoughtless en-
thusiast in the back of the AUDITORIUM
who calls for a speech" has more than
,he usual share of sympathy. Apart
from the interest which attaches 70
farewell appearance of so eminent
payer. last nights brilliant assemolase
might easily be explained SIMPLY py the
TACT that s-Robertson was appear
ing III Hamlet. a play OF whlch ne
has made u Close aIad particular STUDY
and in which he finds role peculiarly
suited to his personality and artlStic
gifts. II is no small compliment Tor
America to welcome this Hamlet SO
unreservedly, for in the memory OF
many there still fingers the convlctloh
that Edwin Booth cannot nave a s1c-
cessor either in artistic attachments or
in popular esteem.
A well interpreted Hamlet" invites
no comparisons. .ch player who COM
q
sense. distinct individuality, even
though the situations and speeches arc
the same The charm of the part lies
greatly in the reading. and, while phys
ical grace is essential, 1t Is the inter-
probation of the ,etry and philosophy
that counts for most.
The play calls forth the intellectually
of the actor over and above his emotional
decide how he will dispose of the old
theory. now generally disregarded. that
the poet had permitted himself to write
play about mar bereft of his wits
A keen. flashing intelligence will convey
the assurance OF Hamlet's sanity by
touch of suggestion and swift interchange.
where a heavier mind will require more
or less studious and explanatory mechan-
ism. The Forbes-Robertson Hamlet is
subtle and psychological, as 1t shows the
workings of suspicion and grief on
sensitive. youthful mind. 1t is physical
and buoyant as it portrays the impulsive-
ness and generosity of the student prince
1t is gloomy and terrib as 1t reflects
the destruction Of his faith in all woman.
kind because Of his mothers lack OF
wifely loyalty.
Forbes-Kobertson does not seek to make
his Hamlet a museum of stage TRADITIONS.
Explanatory articles that have been fire.
auently used he discards. This method
is notable in Hamlet's scene with the
queen, in which comparison between the
dead king and his brother Is made
Forbes-Robertson uses no miniatures
worn by Hamlet and the queen. NO
wall portraits afford a physical basis CT
suggestion for the profoundly moving
dialogue The actor relies upon his own
powers of eloquent description to bring
these two pictures in vivid contrast be- |
fore the Imagination. Throughout his !
performance his suggestions rely with |
absolute confidence on the sympathetic |
receptivity of his audience.
Miss Gertrude Elliott's Ophelia is an
expression of gentle sweetness unusual
to the role. The mad scene. always an
ordeal. becomes, as she does it. pic
ture of the tenderest pathos, free from
any strain of harshness. The per-
Torrance of Ian Robertson as Po-
lonius. afforded an excellent vein of
comedy. The part is a satirical one
and the constancy with which the |
fawning and obsequious flatterer en-l
deavors, even to this day. to make |
empty compliment take the place of
brains perhaps justifies the CLINT of
vivaciops modern humor which dis
tinguishes Mr.. Robertson's interpreta-
ton. Mr.. Charles Graham was a virile
and interesting Laertes.
There are ten changes of scenery.
The stage at all times presented a 1T
ting picture to accompany the action,
and some notable departures from the
usual arrangements as to perspective
and general positions were in evidence.
Hamlet will be repeated at the We'd
The play for tonight's performance will
be The Light that Failed: tomorrow
night, Passing of the Third Floor
Back; Mice and Men will be played
Thursday. and Passing of the Third
Floor Back" Saturday matinee.