The Theatre in Boston

The performances of "Hamlet" now being given at the Tremont Theatre in matinees are of a rare distinction. For one whose memory of the theatre goes back to the days of Edwin Booth and includes all the great Hamlets of our time, it is not too much to say that Mr. Hampden's presentation is worthy of taking rank among the traditions of our stage. In person, in voice, in acting, Mr. Hampden presents a Prince of Denmark who is a troubled human being rather that a mere deliverer of theatric monologues. Surrounded by a competent company, with an entirely adequate but extremely simple stage setting, with quick and silent changes, he gives us more of the play than we usually see. The action marches as a whole, and not as a series of incidents loosely strung together. A great actor is interpreting one of the masterpieces of all time; his understanding and his power allow him to show his audience the growth of the perturbed prince and the unhappy lot to which his fate was cast in a way which will be an abiding pleasure for those who have seen the performance. WILLIAM FENWICK HARRIS, '91.