3-082-930 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Performance of "Alcestis" at Bradfield College, 1895. 'All that could make a Greek play realistic distinguished the four performances of Euripides' "Alcestis". The open-air theatre was filled each day with interested spectators, who enjoyed the novel surroundings equally with the unusual nature of the drama enacted. Mr. Wood Hill filled the role of Alcestis most adequately; the Warden of the College, Dr. Gray, was Admetus; Mr. Lomas was an excellent Hercules; and the part of a servant was played very well by Mr. Koppel. The elocutionary ability which distinguished all the actors was a great tribute to the training and study bestowed on the preparation of the play. The orchestral accompaniment of flutes and lyres was peculiarly suitable, and as nearly as possible reflected the old methods employed by the Greeks. The choral odes were carefully rendered by a band of Pheraean elders under the able leadership of Mr. Jones. The tickets were marked in Greek letters denoting the position of the seats, and the play commenced to the sound of a trumpet. The visitor could easily imagine that he was in the circular theatre at the foot of the Acropolis at Athens, while the warm sunshine made the illusion still more reminiscent of a Greek performance'. From "Illustrated London News", 1895.