MADAME RISTORI.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 321, 23 June 1875, Page 3

MADAME RISTORI.

The Sydney Morning Herald gives the following particulars of Mde. Ristori, who is about to visit the Australian colonies : “ She may be expected here about the 24th of July, when she wall, in all probability, make her first appearance before a Sydney audience in Medea. The troupe that she will bring with her comprises thirty-two artists, and, together with these, she will have her own scenery painted by celebrated Italian artists. Adelaide Ristori was born in Cividale, a small city of Triuli, and made her dehut before the public in a basket when she was only two months old, being presented alongside her parents, who were taking, part in a comedy. At the age of four she played the characters of children, and at ten performed in the company of Moncalvo, assuming the part of Francesca de Rimini, in the tragedy of the same name. She first appeared upon the Paris stage on the 22nd of May, 1855, exhibiting her skill in both comic and tragic plays, Here great compliments were paid her by many French writers, amongst whom were Lamartine, A. Dumas, Alfred de Vigny, and several others. The Italian and Spanish

writers appear to have been none the less eulogistic in their comments upon her general deportment on the stage. An offer was made of £3333 per annum if she would play in the French language, and totally renounce Italian pieces. This, however, she refused to do, and shortly returned to her native home, where, after remaining a brief period unknown to the theatrical world, she was once more compelled to take to her favorite amusement. She again gave entertainments in Paris, and, her fame spreading far and wide through all the principal towns of France, was obliged to visit them e ach in turn. She then travelled through Belgium, Prussia, Hanover, England, Austria, Hungary, and, in fact, the chief countries of Europe. In both Hamburg and Germany the enthusiasm was so great that she was engaged for five consecutive seasons. Hot satisfied with her success in the old world, she determined to try the result in the new, and to see whether the tide of fortune would turn in her favor. She stipulated to give one hundred performances in the States, commencing with twelve nights in New York ; but at the completion of these twelve performances she was obliged to increase the number to thirtyeight, and admittance could not be obtained to the French theatre, when she re-appeared, unless seats were secured a week beforehand, or by pacing a most fabulous price. She visited nearly all the States in her tour through America, and was everywhere received with enthusiasm. In several instances very valuable presents were given to her — one being a diadem of brilliants, having in its centre a beautiful topaz weighing about 42 carats. One remarkable phase in the character of Adelaide Ristori appears to have been her willingness to contribute to the help of the poor. During her journeyings she has frequently given entertainments for the charitable institutions of the cities through which she passed. ”