Cibber's Two Dissertations on the Theatres; With an Appendix, in Three Parts. the Whole Containing a General View of the Stage, with Many Curious Anec - Theophilus Cibber

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1756 Excerpt: ... ment, the Abuse of Power, and the unfair Treatment of Men of Genius: --If, on Enquiry, 'tis prov'd the Misconduct of StageRulers is productive of a bad Taste--let them blame themselves. If on Monition they mend their Manners, let 'em gratefully remember their Monitor: --As there is Room for Reformation (which begins more and more to be call'd for) I shall not fear, with the Spirit of a free-born Englijhman, to attack these powerful mock Princes, in Behalf of the Actors in general, who may be call'd the Limbs of the Theatrical Body; and of our Authors, who may be justly stil'd the Soul of the Theatre. Wit, Good-sense, and Politeness, were always thought necessary to support the Character and Dignity of the Stage, and that the Management of it ought to be instructed to Persons justly qualified to judge of all Performances fit to be introduc'd there: That Works of Genius might meet with proper Encouragement--and Dullness, and Immorality, be effectually excluded. Has this been the constant Conduct of the present grand Director? I am about to speak but but of one now.--That one will afford ample Theme enough. Let us then view the Acting-Manager of Drury-Lane: --In the Year 1747, --He open'd that Theatre with an excellent Prologue: --The Conclusion of which gave the Town to hope--'twould be their Fault if, from that Time, any Farcical Absurdity of Pantomime, or Fooleries from France, were again intruded on 'em. 'Twas the Town who were (from that auspicious Night of his Theatrical Inauguration) " To bid the Reign commence " Of rescu'd Nature, and reviving Sense; " To chace the Charms of Sound, and Pomp " of Shew, " For useful Mirth, and salutary Woe; " Bid Scenic Virtue form the rising Age, " And Truth diffuse her Radiance from the " Stage." But has he kept his Word du...