On Tuesday, a very successful performance of the Antigone of
Sophocles was given at Bradfield College, near Reading. For the first time since the overthrow of the ancient world, a Greek play was produced under much the same physical con- ditions as prevailed at Athens. An accurate copy of an ancient theatre had been constructed out of a disused chalk-pit, the spectators sitting on broad, low steps, which rose tier above tier of semi-circle from the level of the orchestra. The blue sky of a perfect June day overhead, the scent of the incense burning on the altar round which the Senators chaunt in rhythmic cadence the strophes and antistrophes of the chorus, and the stately pageant of the stage beyond, combined to pro- duce an impression which few of their audience are likely to for- get. The effect of the voices in the open air was excellent, the boys having been trained to make every word heard, and the occasional half-interruptions from a bird singing in the leafy borders of the rural play-house only increasing the charm of the whole performance. The acting throughout was re- markably good, and very unmodern,—the players wisely refraining from any attempt to copy the mannerisms of Mr. Irving and Miss Terry. The dresses and the stage arrange- ments generally left nothing to be desired.
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