HERR BANDMANN.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2467, 14 February 1881, Page 2

HERR BANDMANN.

The following biographical sketch of the celebrated artiste, who is to appear with Mr Walter [Reynolds’ Company to-morrow evening appears in “ Men of the Time.”

Daniel Edward Bandmann, a popular actor, born at Cassel, Germany, Hov. Ist, 1839. The instinct for acting was apparent in him at a very early age, for in his childhood he used to invite his playfellows to the cellar to play scenes out of the Bible, such as “ Adam and Eve,” when he spoke both the parts, and filled up the dialogue with flashes of lightning through a tin pipe, when God called upon Cain for his brother Abel. At the age of eighteen, he made his first appearance at the Court Theatre of JN ewstrelitz, where he at once became a great favorite "with the Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg, who took a personal interest in his career, and aided him in his profession. His next engagement was at Prague, whence he proceeded to Gratz, Weimar ? Pesth, and Vienna. In all these towns he acquired great popularity as an actor of tihakespearean characters. Failing health, consequent on severe study necessitated a' voyage to Hew York, where, after a short rest, he was requested by his fellow-countrymen to

to play for a few nights at the- StadtTheatre, where his acting speedily attracted the notice of journalists and critics, who pronounced the enthusiastic German to be one of the greatest actors of the period. It was in New York that Mr Bandinann first began the study of the English language, and it is remarked that in six weeks’ time he -was able to act Shylock at Niblo’s Garden, speaking the language of its author—his teacher being an accomplished English lady. His success was highly encouraging. r lhe German play of “ Narcisse was afterwards translated ,for him, and with a repertoire embracing “ Hamlet ” “Shylock,” “Macbeth,” “ Eichard IH;, “ Othello,” “ lago,” “ Benedict,” and “ Eichelieu,” he made a tour of five years through the United States, his success being really wonderful. He played the part of Hamlet in Philadelphia, by invation of thfe Shakespeare Society upon the occasion of the tercentenary of the Swan of Avon’s birthday ; and ?o highly was his style of acting appreciated, that a crown of laurel in solid silver was presented to him as a memorial of the occurrence. In San Francisco, he was presented with a handsome gold medal, upon which were placed his initials in diamonds and other precious stones. His career in America was a very triumphant one, but his great ambition was to play in London. Accordingly in February, 1867, he appeared at the Lyceum Theatre in “Narcisse,” his success being so.great that the late Lord Lytton, who witnessed the performance, invited him to Knebworth, when his lordship said he was the only actor he had seen since the days of Macready, who inspired him to work again for the stage, An intimacy sprung between them, and Lord Lytton re-wrote for Mr Bandmann his drama “ The Sea Captain,” which was produced at the Lyceum Theatre, under the title of “ The Eightful Heir,” and had a run of three months. Mr Band mann next made a tour through the English provinces; and, in 1869, he went to Australia, where he stayed for twelve months. He returned to England by way of Honolulu, where he played before the late King Kamehameka, who invited him to his palace. In January, 1877, be played once more in Berlin, in his natural tongue, “ Hamlet” “ Othello,” and “ Shylock,” creating a most decided enthusiasm, which was flatteringly acknowledged by the entire Press.