How extraordinarily fascinating the actual performance of The Merchant of Venice," whether by professionals or amateurs or even children, can be. On Wednesday afternoon the production of° the comedy by the "mewly formed Dramatic Club of the Public School, in spite of the extreme youth and inexperience of some of the performers, still impressed one.
But it was not only the wonder of Shakespeare's imagination trars-Jated into the magic of his muse that held the attention of the audience, for there was one extremely promising feature about the acting itself in this first venture of the club. Many of the cast were able to retain the balance of sound and sense in blank verse, which wis a distinct achievement, People either have a gift for speaking dramatic poesy or as a rule require the training of almost a lif ime to perfect them in the art. Yet it can fairly be said that as Shylock, the dominating figure in the play, Master Levis succeeded pretty well in this, as did the Portia. of Master Kyserling ma., who deserves praise ini other important respects. In the trial scene they were both excellent. Almost. alone in the cast Master Levis refused. to quicken the pace of his delivery, and, eschewing too much dramatic effect, spoke his lines as if they were the fresh coinage of his own. soul-searching emotion. Again, Portia did not read "her" part with the doleful, traditional respect due to great literature, but at times was as thoroughly human as Shakespeare intended her to be. Although he had only a minor part as the Duke of Venice, Master Noblston mi. spoke his lines well, struck a fine Stage attitude, and in' fact gave a most encouraging performance. Others who deserve commendation were the Gratiano of Master Jacob mi. and the Antonio and Bassanio of Masters Johansson and Cumine. respectively.
All congratulations are due to the producers, Messrs. S. Here and Pope. In the trial scene the performers were grouped effectively and the lighting was just sufficient to show off the gestures of the "company" and considerably helped to make up for the lack of scenery.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.