THEATRICAL CRITICISM.

Evening Star, Volume VII, Issue 1989, 20 September 1869, Page 3

THEATRICAL CRITICISM.

{To the Editor of the EveninqStar.)

gi R) “ Cujas ” claims to be an old man ; certainly experience has not made him a wise one. His powers of ohseivation, as illustrated in his letter, which appeared in the Star on Saturday evening, would be barely creditable in a boy twelve years of age. It is not my intention to honor “ Cujas” with a long reply to his ridiculous

tirades, but simply, by quoting his own words, to call attention to the absurdity of one of our would-be theatrical critics ; —_ “In my poor judgment,” says “Cujas,” “ Othello is the least successful of Mr Talbot’s impersonations, and it was only when he ‘ tore a pas-don to tatters ’ that he gained the applause of the house. Mr Rayner’s lago was a superb piece of acting, and the calls for him from all parts of the house at the conclusion of the first act prove that I am not far wrong in my opinion.” Will “ Cujas” dare, upon the strength of sbeh illogical stuff, to call himself a critic ? It is essentially characteristic of small minds to prove too little or too much. Thus it would seem that Mr Talbot was applauded only because he “ tore a passion to tatters,” whilst Mr Rayner’s acting was superb because he received “calls from all parts of the house.” Now, if it be possible to suppose a house incapable of comprehending good acting, or, as “ Cujas” puts it, capable only of applauding the man who ‘ ‘ tears a passion to tatters,” the compliment here intended to be conveyed to Mr Rayner is of a very questionable character indeed. If “Cujas” thinks himself justified in insulting the common sense of the public, he might at least endeavor to be logical. Thus what he no doubt

meant to convey as a stricture upon Mr Talbot, really carries with it all the force of a compliment. The necessary deductions to be drawn from •* Cujas’s ” propositions are these Mr Talbot’s acting was generally good, though the bouse, imperfectly educated, could only appreciate those parts which all wise men must condemn, and therefore M r Ray ner was warmly applauded throughout. Mr J'ayner will feel flattered by the nice distinction thus drawn, and will, no doubt, hasten to acknowledge his obligations to his friend.—l am, Sir, &c., Balch. September 20th, 1859.