3-052-347 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Miss Ellen Terry as Portia, in "The Merchant of Venice" at the Lyceum Theatre, 1880. London stage production. 'The character of Portia is susceptible of various treatment, and actresses have given very different versions of it. There is a decidedly comic side to it; but there is also a serious, almost tragic, phase. As the part gradually develops you become conscious of a pathetic element in it. It is the last Miss Ellen Terry seizes upon in preference, and, indeed, intimates it throughout her performance. Portia is a strong woman, but at the same time she is as amiable as she is intelligent. The character has a philosophical side to it; Portia is, in fact, Wisdom embodied. A thoroughly wise woman is a rare example of human excellence. Miss Ellen Terry does her best to realise the part. Her action, as here represented, is indeed full of significance...How finely interpreted by the gesture, the attitude, the earnest grace of the actress! Portia is the perfection of Woman; Miss Terry rightly throws her whole soul into the delivery of these lines. She has appreciated the opportunity for intellectual acting; and it is to be hoped that she will continue long to do so, and thus secure a position on the boards as noble as it is independent'. From "Illustrated London News", 1880.