The Sun. — 1849-05-08 (London, England)

MARY LEBONE THEATRE.  An adaptation to the English stage of M. Latour'S tragedy of Virginie was produced here last evening, under the title of Virginia. The original must ba familiar to the greater number of plaegoere, it was frequently performed at the St. James's two years since, with Mdlle. Rachel as the heroine, and is. perbepe, the most interesting of modern French tragedies. It might at first be supposed that a comparison with the- chef d'oeuvre of Sheridan Knowles, a comparison which no dramatic author would willingly challerge, would in the present instance be inevitable, but such is not the case. In the play of Sheridan Knowles, Virginius, is the principal character, standing out in bold relief irons the canvass, around which the other characters ars grouped, while in the plc), of M. Latour, Virginia is the principal character--Virginius not appearing upon the scene until the fourth act. In point of construction the play of M. Latour is much superior to that of Sheridan Knowles • the interest is gradually wrought up to 3 climax, and the play ends with the death of Virginia. Moreover, we have no hors d'oeuvres like Siccius Dentasus, as we have in the play of Sheridan Knowles. The treatment of the subject, too, is very different. In the play of M. Latour, Appius Claudius takes advantage of the absence from Rome of Virgioius to visit his house, and to attempt to seduce his &righter, and causes her lover, Icilius, to be murdered ; and it is not until his suit has 'been scornfully rejected by Virginia that he sets on Fabius to :seize her. e She la-dragged before the, judgment-seat. the case is adjourned, and she is taken to the house of Appius Clan litre, before the return of Virginius to Rome. She escapes from the house of Appius and returns to her own home in the middle of the re ;ht, and here occurs one of the finest scenes in the play... She meets her father, and relates to him the fearful adventures of the horrible night when Appius Claudius found his .way into her chamber, when she, after horrible struggles, succeeds in making her escape and preserving her honour. The death scene is also managed diffsrently. In Virginia it is Virginia herself who suggests to Virginias the propriety of - killing her, nay, who demands death at his bands, to save herself from dishonour. The part of Virginia, 3 will be seen, thus constitutes the play, and it wese admirably sustained by Mrs. Mowatt. This ladyis one of the most accomplished and lady like actresses on the stage. Her graceful style of acting bears a nearer resewblance to that of Miss Foote than does that of anY 'artiste who has appeared since that accomplished lady left the stage. Her scorn in the scenes with Appius Claudius was witherieg, hut the great triumph teas the scene with Virginius in the fourth act, to which we have before alluded. Rachel was very• fine in this scene, but it always struck us that she wee somes hat too energetic. It she exhibited half the energy in the encounter with Appius which she did in the narrative of it, Apples had more to tear from her than she from him. Mrs. Mowatt, on the contrary, appeared us a young girl almost dying from excess of agony and exhaustion; there was a subdued tone in her manner of relating the occurrences of that dreadful night, such is a young and virtuous girl, like Virginia, would employ, and this subdued tone heightened the intensity of the pathos in.' finiuly more than the most boisterous energy could have done. The last scene also was superbly acted, there less something agonizng in the thrilling tones ivith which she asked for death. She was excellently supported by Mr. Davenport, who was the Virginius. Bsth artists were called for at the conclusion. The translationis, we understand, from the pen of Mr. John Oxenford, and is admirably written. While it is. almost a literal version of the original, it is written as M. Latour himself would have written it, had he composed his tragedy in English. The language is easy and flowing and rhythmics!, end it would be impossible for one not acquainted with the fact, to know that it was a translation, so entirely free is it from gene. He who can translate so well can also originate, and wo trust the day is not far distant when wo may assist at the production of an seriginal tragedy from the pen of Mr. John Oxenford. The tragedy was admirably put upon the stage. The last scene was the perfection of" mounting." The trivialise at the fall of the curtain was enthusiastic. The heele was exceedingly well attended.