Pictorial Shakespeare, 1880-1890 - eTheses Repository - University ...

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to the new stagecraft. Archer argued th< t the critics cited
as authorities against t;.e theatric;! presentation of this
ply "knew nothing of modern methoc^ of stige presentation",
and that the crudities of the Georgian stage had been left
behind (The World. 29 January 1890). Wedmore, in The Academy,
went so far as to propose that the pl*y was dependent on
spectacle - of a modest and tasteful kind, be it understood -
for any claims it might have to be performed. Either the
scenes should be played for all their vorth, or thore should be
"exquisite spectacle" good enough to rouse the man in the stalls
and boxes, "the man who has dined and wishes nobody ill", to
something other than "the polite indifference which is proper
to him". There was nothing in the plot or the characterisation
to hold the attention:
No-one wants to take very seriously this
exquisite fafice, save for the literature
which its framework enshrines; md it is
not to the Globe nor to any other theatre
th*.-t we need go for the fulleenjoyment of
literature.
(11 January 1890)
Benson had produced the play ith the necessary "goodly show",
and that v.as all a reasonable man could deman. of a mane ^er.
The Stage was of ^he opinion that A Midsummer Uight/s Dream
was an ideal choice for a young company not yet fully vorsed
in elocution t nd acting techniques, and one vhich lent itself
admirably "to ell the uondorful improvements" that had cone
about "in st; ge-d essing, scenic efiects and lighting" (27
December 1998). The ara stated that, in the absence jf another
Phelps to plf.y Bottom, the staging must be the f otor to
distinguish one new production from another, for the other
characters ./ere "shadovy beings, in whom it is difficult to
take any reel interest" (21 December 1889). The suspicion
of the theatre had come full circle, from the contention that
the stage could do no justice to Shakespeare's pity, to the
dismiss?! of the comedy as a piece interesting only cs an
opportunity for the disol£ y of scenic sill.
The acting of Benson's company was juagec accorcinbly, and
shortcomings v.eie listed and then prrdoned. Wedmore concluded
that "intelligence" v/^.s to be looked for in the company, ! fro:.: