New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-05-12

A GREAT WOLSEY
Sir Herbert Trees Impersonation Ranked
with Best Tradition.

To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: 1t is with sincere regret that we
come to the final week OF the production OF
Henry VIII" with which Sir Herbert Tree
has enriched and delighted the public Not
for many, many years has SO soul-comfort-
ing and satisfying a dramatic offering been
upon our stage. 1t is a production OF great
beauty and pictorial variety and charm; but
stress should not be laid upon the wonderful
stage pictures, the scenic architecture, the
pageantry, the play of color, the magnifi-
cence Of costuming, the skill in grouping, the
lavish, almost prodigal use of every device
known to modern stagecraft. We have had
this and it has been gratefully received, as
perhaps inseparable from a representation OF
this episode, loosely constructed, sometimes
incoherent play.
Emphasis should especially be laid upon
the superb distinction of the mpersonation
of the willy, crafty stronghearted Cardinal
which Sir Herbert Tree has given US. 1t is
one of the finest approximations which has
ever graced and adorned our stage. The
character lives and breathes. IL is always in
the picture, yet it stands out from the pict-
ure, clean cut, tangible, vivid, creation
vital, impressive, profoundly moving and
sympathetic.
There has seldom been presented an i'm
personation 80 free from self-consclousness
the personality of the actor so merged IN
that Of the Cardinal that no one thinks OF
Herbert Tree but only of the lofty spirit,
the dominating. commanding figure OF the
Cardinal To be sure, it lacks the vocal
force that other famous actors have dis
played. but Sir Herbert's conception is clear
.ly denoted-that of Wolsey's reserved power.
One feels there are fires smouldering under
meath that could if he willed burst forth into
vivid flame, but they are subdued by the
Cardinals strength Of will and naughty self
control Sir Herbert makes his character
live by subtle play OF facial expression
changes in expression which suggest infinite
things to the imagination OF the thoughtful
observer.
That final scene is most impressive. Only
the greatest art, the highest poetry, can
make this impression. Only the great dra-
matte artist has the skill 10 interpret this
great art and poetry and make it living.
vital thing Herbert Tree has this mar
vellous skill of Interpretation.
In these days when we have so few great
actors. when the modern theatre is a desert
arid, sordid, with little in it 70 feed the
mind or comfort the soul-we welcome the
visitation of a rare spirit and great in
terpreter such as Herbert Tree. We hope
his Wolsey will be seen again; that after his
presentation Of Shylock and happily other
Shakespearian characters he will bring to
life again the lofty Cardinal.
A sincere tribute OF admiration for Sir
Herbert's genius is something which the pub
lie would like to give this distinguished Wis
itor TO America; and we feel that in giving
this sincere tribute Of admiration we are
vocing the opinions Of many thousands who
have been comforted and thrilled and brought
IN 70 great heights. KENYON WEST.
Montcair n. j., May 3, 1916.