ABBOTTS OPERA HOUSE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8316, 24 July 1890, Page 5

ABBOTTS OPERA HOUSE.

OTHELLO. Mr. Geo. C. Miln appeared in the rolo of Othello last night, and in his impersonation of tho part he scored one of his most pronounced Shukespcrian successes, for not even as Shy lock did he appear to greater advantage, and the character if not faultless was as nearly so as possible, and it was fully equal to the very best impersonation of the Moor of Venice which has ever been presented in Auckland. It was a consistent studied, intellectual, and even performance of one of the most trying parts in Shakespere's great category, and it was a credit to the genius, and great care and study of Mr. Miln. We de not, say that the impersonation was faultless, but the conception was true and it was worked out to the greatest possible success, marking Mr. Miln as a Shakespcrian actor of the highest order of merit. Mr. Miln commenced to make his mark in the second act, in which before the Duke he confronts the accusations of Brabantio. His tale of love-making was delivered without ostentation. It was quiet, reserved, modest, and natural, but his fierce retort to the accusation that he had used undue or unnatural means to gain Desdemona's love is a fine piece of rhetoric and a beautiful elocutionary effort. In both Mr. Miln was applauded, and deservedly so. In the third act. the gradual insidious working of lago to provoke the Moor's jealousy affords Mr. Miln an opening for a display of the finer workings of nature, of which he avails himself to the utmost. The study is ono of the most perfect features of the performance, and his changing expression during the torturing ordeal was a magnificent display of subdued histrionic power. In the more emphatic scenes Mr. Miln displays great force, but it is under perfect control. His fierce demand for proof from lago is certainly as fine an exhibition of declamation as wo have heard for many years, and in his demand for an explanation of the, quarrel between Roderigo and Cassio he held the balance of command and entreaty with great judgment. But it is not neces'-arv to follow through a great performance item by item. There were some scenes in which Mr. Miln excelled, and the sentiments caught the audience, but up to the last ho sustained his high reputation and in the final and most difficult scene of all he showed a carefully studied and eminently effective conception of tho situation. A word or two as to tho dressing of tho part. Mr. Miln appears as a Moor, not as a nigger. He is dressed suitably, not in one dress throughout, and each dross is appropriate, and no feature is omitted which could make the part a success. His magnificent impersonation was recognised throughout by applause, and he was repeatedly called before the curtain. To Mr. J. H. Nunn was allotted the role. of lago, and although somewhat weak in the opening scene, being hurried in his enunciation and perhaps a little over demonstrative, ho settled down into a really fine impersonation of the role,, giving an even and accomplished rendition of tho part. Ho made a particular feature of the jealousy which he bore to Othello as an explanation of his treachery, and it told effectively, and in tho scenes in which lie plays 011 the jealousy of the Moor his acting is most artistic. In fact, throughout, he played the part with a very keen appreciation of its requirements, and probably surprised his friends by tho excellence of his pourtrayal. Mr. Montgomery made a good Cassio, and in some of the fine passages of tho part lie was highly effective, but it is not a, part which suits him so well as others. The only two other parts which call for special mention arc those of Dcsdemona and Emilia. In the former Miss Douglas showed not only a great deal of power but a most elaborate conception of the character. She was thoroughly at home in tho difficult role. Her fine and cultivated voice gave full expression to the language, and her finesse and fine acting made the part a prominent) one and a success. In fact she played a worthy second to tho star, and shared the honours with him in the scones in which they acted together. Miss Ruby Bowman made an excellent Emilia, and in the last act displayed a good deal of histrionic power. The staging throughout was admirable and the scenery appropriate and suitable. In fact the whole production was well wort hy of a crowded house. It will be repeated this evening for tho last time, and those who miss it will miss an intellectual treat which they may never have the opportunity of again enjoying.