HERR BANDMANN AS SHYLOCK.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3080, 11 May 1881, Page 2

HERR BANDMANN AS SHYLOCK.

The presentation of" The Merchant of Venice" by Herr Bandmann and his ' company at the Theatre Royal last night attracted only a- moderate house. ' The ', play does not possess that interest for tbe average play-goers which the two.previously given do, and it is not until the : fourth act is reached that those who j, know not Shakespeare could take any r interest whatever in the plot. Except in the one scene Shyiock does not occupy the promimence usually given to the principal character in the great dtamas, ■ but still there is room for much quiet 1 subtle acting, and Herr Baodmann'i rendering was another evidence of his thorough mastery of his art. In the ; trial scene his acting throughout was forcible in the extreme. The singular mixture of thirst for vengance on the despisers of his people, the insatiable cruelty, and when cheated of hi 9 vengance the intense avarice displayed in his desire for the ducats, which all go to make up the many-sided character of tbe Jew, were brought out most admirably by Herr Bandmann. When Bassanio and Gratiano rashly declare their readiness to sacrifice even their wive?, who were dear to them as life, to save their friend, the scorn expressed in the words beginning, " These be your Christian husbands," was, amidst all the contending passions in the breast of the Jew, brought out with wonderful power. At tbe close of the scene where Shyiock bowed down, and apparently paralysed under a sense of utter failure, and jeered "at by Gratiano, rises, and in dumb show only expreses the profoundest contempt and scorn for the sneering Christian the acting of Herr Bandmann displayed in a marvellous degree his power of facial expression. The Portia of Miss Beaudet is an admirable piece of acting throughout. Although in the trial scene : she -spoke and acted with great power, we like her better in other scenes. In the last scene, for instance, where she and Neritsa indulge in badinage with their husbands, who have parted with their keepsakes, and even offered to sacrifice their wives on tbe altar of friendship, the acting of Miss Beaudet is full of verve. Our admiration for Mr Catbcart grows with every character we see him assume ; bis Antonio- was-excellent to a aegree, and equal throughout. Miss Crawford* as Nerissa acted with care and spirit. All the other characters were fairly filled. To-night Romeo and Juliet is to be presented, and with Herr Bandmann and Miss Beaudet as the unfortunate lovers, aud Mr Catbcart as Mercutio, a most enjoyable performance may be anticipated.