THE JANET WALDORF SEASON.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXIV, Issue 55, 20 February 1902, Page 2

THE JANET WALDORF SEASON.

AM IMPORTANT THEATRICAL EVENT. The appearance of Mist Janet Waldorf' and her talented company tomorrow evening is being eagerly anticipated by the large number of those who witnessed her previous performances here, as well by those who then missed the opportunity. For her opening bill Miss Waldorf has selected "The Merchant of Venice," that glorious story of love and hate that will ever find a place in the reperteire of a company able to produce the play fittingly. Most people are acquainted with the story. Hew that Baasanio, to forward his suit with Portia, borrows money from the merchant, Antonio, who, his whole capital being invested in oversea traffic, is compelled to borrow from tbe usurer Shylock, whom he had always loathed for the extortionate interest charged on moneys lent. Shylock knows this and secretly hates Antonio, and when asked to loan him money extracts tbe bond—apparently in sport—that if the money be not paid on a certain day that he, Shylock, be entitled to a pound of Antonio's flesh. Bassanio's suit progresses favourably, but the date for Antonio's fulfilment of his bond comes round and with it the news that all his v«sselshave been wrecked in a storm. Then Shylock with murderous cunning produces his bond, Antonio is arrested and taken before the Duke for trial.' It goes bard with him for the bond is set out in express terms until a young doctor of laws (supposed to bave been sent by tbeold judge BeUario, but really Portia in disguise), arrives to give advice. She speaks learnedly as to the bond and beseeches the Jew to have marcy, but he is adamant, and in a grimly numerous manner sharpens his knife and produces his scales. Then comes the flaw in the bond, which signifies an exact pound of flesh only. Portia, as the young doctor, seizts on to the point in a flash, and tells the Jew to prepare to cut the pound of flesh, but if he extract one drop of blood or a hair's breath under or over the just pound, he must confiscate his whole estate; also that if tie persists in the act his life will be in danger of the law for publicly conniving at tbe death of a fellow citizen. Shylock breaks down completely, abjectly, almost pathetically, in the court, and is ordered to pay a heavy fine for his felonious attempt. Apart from this leading theme there are the beautiful love scenes batwean Portia and £*ssanio, Jessica and Lorenzo, and rferissa and Gratiano, all exquisite in their way, the final scene in Portia's garden forming a happy end to a really great play. The booking has been going on briskly at. the Colonial Piano Company's warehouse, and a large house is practically assured.