OCR Text |
Show 128 THE C O D E OF TERPSICHORE. either of one passion or of two contrary ones, in their delusive momentary calm, in their rapid fury, their impetuous transports, in short, in all the varied accidents that form together a picture of the storms which convulse the human breast." What skill is here required to offer a faithful representation of such emotions on the stage. It is, indeed, the nee plus ultra of the comedian's art! T o this desirable point of perfection it is, that such celebrated actors have arrived as Garrick, L e Kain, Talma, Kemble, Kean,Young, Demarin; Ekhoff, Iffland, Mayquez, Siddons, Oldfield, O'Neil, Clairon, Dumenil, Pellandi, Marchionni, Duches-noy and some few others u. It is by that dumb action, and those energetic expressions, that we discover a truly good actor. One of a middling talent may declaim a speech tolerably well; but it is the sublime artist alone that can paint, in one rapid look, all the natural violence of a strong passion. In this respect it is that a mime always surpasses a comedian or tragedian. The gestures and countenance of the performer must express to the spectator all that passes in the soul, and minutely point out every variation in its emotions. The heart should feel all that is exhibited by the features and gestures, which cannot act perfectly without its consent. " ogni membro all' animo risponde."-PETRARCH. That accord which exists between our moral and physical faculties must be strictly observed. The most studied dissimulation can never entirely hide the feelings that agitate us. Nor are they ever so expressed as to be glaringly conspicuous. It is very easy for the performer to make the personage he represents perfectly dissimulate, as his action is, of course, much calmer. H e must always try to throw a veil over all his expressions and gestures suffi- |