New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-04-09

+ managers seemed TO realize that here
was a Shakespcariau performance that
+ their patrons really wished % see, and
would 90 10 not because they thought
they ought. but because they wanted
10 see FORBES Robertson Hamlet.
There was one manager, an old
stagcr who had played all the big ones
in his day. "Why," he exclaimed 81
knew that man Robertson was great
actor. but i. is the first time since ]
played Modieska that the public has
really asked TO see q Shakespearian
play"
Two Of the most interesting engage
: ments on tour were university dates al
the Indiana University, bloomington
Ind. and the University Of Illinois, al
Jrbana ILL., IN the former Professor
W. j.. Howe, head Of the Department
Of English. was able 20 secure funds
90 build a regularly equipped stage ln
the gymnasium. He soon hopes TO be
able 20 erect regular iirst-class the
atre on the campus Naude Adams
and John Drew have both played a.
the university. where F0rbes-Robert-
son gave his Hamlet" 90 one OF the
most interested audiences he has ever
appeared before. At the University OF
Illinois he gave two performances IN
the auditorium on the campus. which,
not being fitted for theatrical per
formances, presented some difficulties
in staging the plays, but the enthusl-
asm Of the various committees con
quered all troubles and brought out
TWO audiences that totalled 5000.
Unique spectators Of a Forbes-Rob-
crtson performance were the Indian
and his squaw who watched Hamlet
from the gallery IN the Tucson Thea
tire They lived on the nearby reser-
walton and were given special permis-
sion 10 attend the theatre. Although
the Indian was dressed IN the conven-
tional cast-oG clothing Of white
man. the squaw was IN almost royal
regalia, including wonderfully hand-
some blanket. These two sat in stony
silence throughout the play. Their in
tercst, If any, was not expressed.
frst-nighter in New York could not be
more blas6. Whether il was the SOM
bre tragedy or the lack Of bright colors
in stage setting and costume That
failed 20 arouse them, or whether they
could not understand Shakespeare
verse, one will never know, but IN the
last act they sat through u all as re-
Igiouslv as schOOlbOy. When the
duel scene between Hamlet and Laertes
came, here was something 20 their ilh-
ing. The Indian grunted and the
squaw did the same They became
quite enthusiastic with the Wholesale
murder at the end, and the semi
pageant Of Hamlet's being borne of on
the shields seemed TO please them
hugely. II was odd this meeting Of
the primitive West with the greatest
mind the Engish-speaking world has
produced but in the end al least one
touch Of nature had made the two ma
tions kin.
The desire TO give teas and lunch
cons 20 actors has struck the small
towns with a vengeance. Numberless
invitations poured in 20 Forbes Robert
son, but he consistently declined
Aside from the great strain Of his
tour and h.s plays, he felt that his
stage work was his only message 10
the public. Unlike Shaw. he does not
believe i'm supplementary prcfaces.
Many invitations to speak at schools
and universities were received. So
many players Of Shakespeare have re
sorted 20 this means Of getting bust
ness that local managers seem 20 cX-
poet 81 Il all Shakcspearian stars.
Once he was 70 play matinee
in small Louisiana town. llc
was not due 20 arrive until u O'Clock,
and was 20 leave Immediately after the
night performance. IN The ordinary
course Of events he should not have
undertaken the matinee, but the sale
was so big and the demand for seats
such that he had agreed 20 the extra
performance. A university invited him
% speak At chapel at noon. They do
not think acting is work" WIS his
only comment, but his reply to the
university was courteous
The most interesting feature OF the
tour has been Just Forbes Robertson.
How many actors would have endured
such tour without complaint Yet
never did Sir Johnston grumblc. He
gave up his private car carly in the
season because 81 the noise. An carly
Journey found him a. the station be
fore The youngest members Of his com
pany II The food was bad or the no.
tells impossible he might sigh. but be
was always Philosophical whether or
NOT no fclt that bis personal com fort
wa. being looked hfter 70 the last pos
,iblo degree, he acted as though he
did