Oliver Cromwell: An Historical Tragedy, in a Prologue and Four Acts (Classic Reprint) - Tapa blanda

Excerpt from Oliver Cromwell: An Historical Tragedy, in a Prologue and Four Acts

Kilpach, and other performers, who did all in their power, and that was not a little, to render Cromwell, in spite of many drawbacks, a success. Originally I introduced into the Play the character of Milton, which I was compelled to out out by stage requirements, but some of whose speeches were ad mirably delivered by Mr. Ryder as Ireton. Only one of the three visions was represented on the stage, although I fought hard for the others, and I may mention that I throughout protested strenuously against the introduction of a tableau cur tain before the last scene in the Play, as inartistic, and inva riably causing, as I predicted, the audience to mistake it for the drop scene and finale of the Play. Nor can I understand a tableau curtain being introduced at all when there is lite rally no efi'ect displayed. I conceive that an historical Play of the style and pretensions of Cromwell should have the full benefit of scenic art and display which is so freely accorded to sensational melodramas and burlesques. Cromwell was not even allowed a moon, a chorus of Spirits (see Prologue), nor a numerically respectable army of supers and the fleet, which should have been pictured within sight of the old Palace of Greenwich, and whose guns should have sounded the points and stops of England's proud reply to the Ambassadors, was simply rendered ludicrous. In short, the Play was starved; and if, despite of this, it increased in favour, and was received with acclamation and respect, it cannot be said that a taste for the serious drama has died out amongst us. I for one am convinced that it has not; and if managers would only bestow upon it the same outlay which is lavished upon burlesque, extravaganza, or the sensational productions of the play-wright, Tragedy and Comedy would yet hold their own upon the British Stage.

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Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com

This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

Excerpt from Oliver Cromwell: An Historical Tragedy, in a Prologue and Four Acts

This Play is now published as it was acted, with the exception of three short scenes, pp. 45-6, 55-6, and 70-1, and three or four short passages denoted by inverted commas. I am aware that, owing to the excision of a portion of the underplot, the remaining part of it is neither sufficiently developed nor necessary to the Play; but that the underplot, as it first stood, made the Play too long, I do not attempt to deny. Indeed, had it been entirely omitted, the dignity of historical tragedy would, perhaps, have been better consulted. But even had the original underplot been differently presented on the first night, I cannot but think that much adverse criticism would have been spared the author.

The Play had not been rehearsed for time, and had never had a complete and satisfactory rehearsal at all. It was prematurely announced for representation without my privity or consent. The management paid me the high but perilous compliment of doing little indeed for Cromwell, in the way of scenery or mounting, which in these days is almost too severe a test. I have to return my sincere and warm thanks, for his noble conception of "Cromwell," to Mr. George Rignold, at the time labouring under a severe and trying illness, which at last induced me to urge him to give up the part, and thereby stop the run of the piece. I have to thank Miss Wallis for her charming and pathetic delineation of Elizabeth, and Mr. Ryder for his powerful and masterly impersonation of Ireton.

About the Publisher

Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com

This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.