OCR Text |
Show PIRST IBSEN PERFORMANCE, Concerning the first presentation of an Ibsen play in America, Edward Frclberger writes as follows to Uie Chicago Chi-cago Record-Herald: "In response to your request. I would say that probably the very first performance of an Ibsen play in America Amer-ica took place at the old Columbia theater the-ater on Monroe street on Sunday evening, even-ing, May 15, 18S7. I had the honor of making a translation of the same, and I cnlled it 'Phantoms.' Long afterward I discovered that William Archer had made a translation and called, it Ghosts.' "There was so much objection raised against Ibyan and his plays at that time that I waited long before deciding to have my version published. But when I found that Mr. Archer had also made a translation I naturally took a back seat and remained there. I still insist, however, that 'Phantoms' is correct, cor-rect, and that 'Ghosts' is misleading. A Miss Kraft played Mrs. llelene Alvlng, and the Btar of the, evening was the late Frlcdrleh MIttcrwurzer, who. played Oswald Alvlng. Elwyn A. Barron, Bar-ron, then the critic of tho Inter Ocean, had this to say of his performance in the issue of Monday, May 16, 18S7: " 'Artistically his performance was an admirable piece of work, dramatically dramatic-ally It was harrowing, In moral effect it was revolting. The play should not have been seen upon the stage. It deals with motives, follies and vices that society so-ciety at largo best serves itself by keeping in the background, and no good purpose Is accomplished by the parade of these conditions in theatric repre-sentatiousA repre-sentatiousA pvea though. In ap doing there is a pretense- of emphasizing a moral lesson. In the last act of the play Mr. Mltterwurzer Is overwhelming in dramatic force. His portraiture of mad frenzy nnd miserable death Is realistic to a sickening- degree, and one turns away horror-stricken, heartily glad when the yccne Is over, anxious to escape from a physical and psychological psycho-logical study that is revolting. It is a pity this actor, so well able to exalt the drama by giving life to Its noblest characters,' will five times repeat this performance In the course of the week. This pandering to morbidity In tho name of art Is little better than a crlmi.' "At that time J. M. Hill was manager of the hour.c and J. S. McConnell the acting manager." |