"As You Like It"

"I hare thought some of nature's journeymen had made men and not made them well; they imitated men so abominably." The writer might have had in mind the Repertory Society's performance of "As You Like It" and the lamentable casting it displayed. Only two players could be singied out for commendation—Touchstone, who interpreted the part excellently, and Jacques, who threw his voice admirably. Both these displayed sensibility and restraint. Rosalind was not pleasing. The effort of producing a light voice made for harshness of tone, and was perhaps responsible for the unnatural and strained rendering of a lovely character. The passages involving Rosalind and Celia were altogether too forced and florid. Nor was there any justification for vulgarisation of Charles, the Duke's wrestler, if we may go by the text. The Society might do well to reserve the clowning for appropriate passages, or stick to modern comedy. Orlando was clear of speech but shallow and juvenile.

Lastly, the performance suffered from the very ingenuity and elaboration of the Bet. Upholstered revelations such as this one do not help a strong cast, and show up a weak one badly. The Repertory truly might take note of the Thespians' "Hamlet" set. which was bold, simple and adequate. And why leave that triumphal arch on stage? Is it part of the plumbing?