--The London
Times, of October 1st., has the following criticism upon the acting of
Edwin Booth on his first appearance in that city:
‘
Mr. Edwin Booth, who last night made his first appearance as Shylock, in the Merchant of
Venice, scarcely corresponded to the current prediction that he would prove to be an actor of the fiery, impulsive school.
Those who, on the strength of this intimation, expected that old fashioned rant which still has its admirers must have been grievously disappointed at witnessing his very steady and well-considered performance.
Only in the scene which follows the discovery of Jessica's elopement does he let go the reins of passion, but even here he retains all his self-command, and in spite of the force with which he expresses his resentment of the injuries he has sustained, and his resolution to take speedy vengeance, he never leads one to expect that the artist will be merged in the character he represents.
The trial scene was most creditably sustained.
Mr. Booth evidently understood the series of emotions to be portrayed and all his details gave evidence of reflection — the most natural exhibition of feeling between the convulsive sob, which proclaimed at the conclusion his sense of desolation and despair.
In the first act, where he makes the compact with Antonio, he shows some originality by the extreme levity with which he treats the terms of the bond, not allowing his inward malignity to interfere with the speedy conclusion of his bargain.
That
Mr. Booth will awaken that sort of admiration which approximates to surprise is not to be expected, if Shylock is to be taken as a sample of his powers.
But, as a judicious actor, gifted with an excellent voice and an expressive countenance, which he turns to good account, he fairly merited the hearty applause with which he was received last night.
’
