HENRY V.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5541, 31 December 1878, Page 2

HENRY V.

There was again last evening a large attendance at the Imperial Opera House, every part being thoroughly full, and Henry V. was given with all the pomp aud ciroumstance which have formerly been described in our columns. Mr. Kignold's splendid representation was repeatedly cheered to the echo, and many times he was honored with a call before tbe curtain. The scenery and mechanical effects came iu for a large share of applause, and the general efficiency of the whole troupe was greatly admired. It is a matter for congratulation that the public is so generous in its support of this production on our local stage, and in a great measure, perhaps, it may be accounted for by the fact that a splendid opportunity is given of studying Shakspero under the most favorable circumstances. An hour; or two hours, in the theatre with good elocutionists and stage accessories gives one a far better insight into Shakosperian characters than months of reading of the text. The elocution and dramatic action of a man who has philosophically studied his part lets a flood of light into dark places, and brings out into bold relief countless beauties of thought and imagery, which to the cursory reader lie hidden in every line. Especially is this so in Shakspere's works, and therefore the educational effect of Mr. Rignold's impersonation is scarcely to be over-estimated. A dd to this the fact that " Henry "V." is unlike most other of Shakspere's plays, in that it contains none of the allusions which although commonplace enough iu the days of good Queen Bess are not grateful to the ears of nineteenth century Booioty, and we have tho clue to the popularity of tho performance.