SHAKESPEARE CLUB.

Otago Witness, Issue 2896, 15 September 1909, Page 69

SHAKESPEARE CLUB.

It is said that, after a lapse, Shakespeare, locally, is coming in-to his own again, and this, with t.h© well-known histrionic merit of the Dunedin Shakespeare Club, shares the responsibility for the large audience at tho Burns Hall on the 10th. The play was "King Henry V," and the parts were interpreted in an able manner, giving token of careful analysis. Mr T. W. Whitson with a few felicitous remarks introduced Mr W. J. Morrell, M.A. (rector of the Boys' High School), who proceeded to deliver a brief address. Mr Monrell stated that his remarks concerned "Henry V" as a national play. Written in the author's thirty-fifth year, it gave them Shakespeare at his best, his strongest, and the most perfect poise of his dramatic balance. Throughout the play had a British robustness that was unmistakable. When it was written the great Queen Elizabeth had been 40 years on the throne, and in consequence the nation possessed a certain confidence of greatness it had never experienced before. Touching the character of 'Henry V, it should be remembered that the Kings before him had been found wanting in those attributes which wore essential to the leadership of Englishmen. Having discussed the characteristics of Henry IV, John, and other monarc-hs preceding the fifth Henry, Mr Morrell went on to point out that a King of England in those days in order to be a success must have been a warrior. England then was a nation of soldiers rather than " a nation of shopkeepers." There was littlo reason to doubt the historical truth of the play, and prominence was given to the contrast between Henry as King and Henry the madcap prince, drinking wirh Falstaff and striking the Lord Chief Jusfce. There could, however, be traced in several of Shakespeare's plays a gradual development from PrinceHal to the mature, kingly character of Henry V. After all there had been little real vico in the prince, whose conduct liad been a natural revolt against the cold, calculating craft of his father's court. It must also be remembered that all the Tudor loved a practicul joke. Mr Morrell explained the fact of Falstaff having- been left out of this play by saving that had he been included he would have overshadowed even the King himself. Thc-re was nothing for it but to kill him. Passing to Fabtaff's friende. Mr Morrell held that their worthleesness was in a manner redeemed by their camerardie and their fidelity to their chief. Shakespeaie had evidently brought characters together from all portions of the now United Kingdom. He was no Little Englander, and was doubtless looking ahead to the union of England and Scotland, w.hich actually occurred a £«~w years lat-er. In these days -of &oej>iicism. to say nothing of the "entente- eordiale," even reading "Henry V" might r.ot suffice to convince everybody of the truth of the old saying that one Englishman could beat three Frenchmen. Mr Morrell introduced several apt quotations into an address which was heard with interest and heartily applauded. Mr A. C. Hanlon was in capital form, and his masterly rendering of the name-part carried conviction. In* the address before Harfleur to the Yeomen of England he surpassed himself, and the roof rang to a spontaneous 6alvo of well-merited applause. Mr Briekell sustained the dignified character of the Duke of Exeter with distinction and restraint. Mr Callan's sense of humour did justice to the lines of Captain Fluelle-n, many among the audience wondering whence he obtained hia fluent Welsh. It was something of a. surprise to find Sir Nichols cast for such a .violently aa,ti-

prohibitionist part as that of the ancient Pistol, which, however, he portrayed remarkably well. Mr Pemberton put a gcod •deal of skill into his part as the Dauphin's ambassador, which seemed rather too small for him. Miss Blanford worthily upheld the character of Queen Isabel of France. The linos of Miss Darling and Miss Ford as chorus were almost beyond reproach, and Mrs Griffiths gave a faithful interpretation of the part of the hostess. Songs sung during the evening were " The rosary," Miss Florence Pacey ; and " Tiil death," Mr R. H. Wright. The performance of the singers, like everything else connected with the programme, attained^ a high standard of merit.