THE THEATRE.
To the Editor of the Evening Star. Sir, —It is a creditable feature in the present conduct of the Star, that there is sense to distinguish and spirit to enforce what is right. Your strictures on the Princess Theatre were novel, but justifiable. The Press, whilst reviewing theatrical performances, has been so long accustomed to the 'anguage of eulogy, and the slav'sh coloring of praise has been laid on so thickly and uaartistically, that I confess something more than a susp : cion had crossed my mind, that between the management ami the Press there existed an understanding by which to ignore all private judgment on the part of play-goers, and to impose upon public credulity. I see, Sir, that I waa in error, and
I ask pardon for syllabling my suspicions. The Press, through you, is beginning to assert its legitimate pewer, which I conceive to consist in correcting what is vicious in taste, or immoral in tendency. It cannot be denied that the stage exerts an important influence upon mankind, and, under the wholesome guidance of a free Press, it is capable of making poor humanity respectable, by awakening a taste for all that is beautiful, and a love for all that is good and true. It is easy, however, to foresee, that without this restraining power of the Press, the stage wo old soon degenerate into a mere instrument for enslaving the passions and corrupting the morals of the people. With a friend I attended the theatre on Wednesday night, when “ Gira'da” was presented. I am not disposed to cavil at the prompter s voice being heard on a first night; but when such liberies are taken with the text as were taken by one actor in particular, I will record my most emphatic protest. Improper insinuations may provoke tbe laughter of a few, may “ split the ears of the groundlings;” “but though it make tbe unskiful laugh, it cannot but make tbe judicious grieve.”—l am, Sir, Ethos.
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Evening Star, Volume VII, Issue 1909, 18 June 1869, Page 2
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332THE THEATRE. Evening Star, Volume VII, Issue 1909, 18 June 1869, Page 2
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