MR. H. B. IRVING IN HAMLET.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1347, 26 January 1912, Page 5

MR. H. B. IRVING IN HAMLET.

TO-MORROW EVENING AT 7.15. Seldom in the theatrical history of Wellington has the appearance, of an actor or the production of a play created more interest than that which is being displayed in (he debut hero to-morrow night "of Mr. H. Jj. Irving in "Hamlet." The famous actor's Auckland season is stated to have been tho most successful over enjoyed by a J. C. Williamson attraction in that city, whilst his provincial tour, which_ terminated last night at i'almerston North, was (ho 'signal for all previous records being broken. Owing to bis early departure for-London Jlr. living's stay in the Dominion is necessarily brief, and consequently his Wellington season must also bo confined to a limited number of nights, but during his st«y in tho capital city the famous son of Sir Henry Irving will appear in no fewer than four ot his greatest achievements, viz., "Hamlet," "Louis XI," "The Lyons Mails," and "Tho Bells." The plans for the first six nights of "Hamlet" arc now open at the Dresden where central positions in both the dress circle and reserved stalls for the opening and subsequent performances can bo selected from 0 o'clock this morning. It is with pleasurable anticipation that one awaits Mr. Irving's conception of "Hamlet." ,It is said he gives us tho scholar's rending presented with actor's art. He creates a human, understandable "Hamlet," in whom we may sec many of our personal moods and inlirm(ties, and that liideous, oft.occurring desp'jndencv which we are wont to call "tho blue*.'' Though times have changed—and words and phrases with them—Shakespeare's thoughts and feelings are still as, fresh and clear and beautiful as in the spacious days of .Queen Elizabeth.. Hamlet's love for Ophelia is full of the infinite tenderness of a man who longs to ho gentle to the woman lift worships, and when he finds her but a .means to test his sanitv his ■horror and disgust know no hounds. It is'lhe scenes with Ophelia, and later, with the spies, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern that decide him to leave nil to Eate. If the King is to die by his hand, tho opportunity will have to be made—then he will seize it. And in Ihe end the tragedy of his life becomes too great for him to support. He is weak, irresolute, unbalanced, but he excites our pity, even ns he pities himself.

.Miss Dorothea Baird is, judging by reports one of the most charming actresss we kivc ever, welcomed to New Zealand, and her Ophelia, is regarded as her best effort. The other members of the organisation were all concerned in the London production of "Hamlet." The scenery and effects have, already arrived and the company will roach hero by the Main Trunk express this afternoon. The plans for the first six nights of the season are at. the Dresden and tickets for the early door stalls and gallery can be purchased this morning at Cliristeson's.