Ben Kingsley as Edmund Kean (1982 TV) part 4 of 5

A one man play written by Raymund FitzSimons on the famous actor Edmund Kean (1787-1833).

link below to playlist of all 5 of these Kingsley/Kean video uploads:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=DFF4BE8FA1E566D7

from "The Life and Adventures of Edmund Kean, Tragedian: 1787-1833" By Joseph Fitzgerald Molloy:

In a few months the world had forgotten the venomous imbecility of the 'Times', but it rankled in Kean's breast. The faithlessness of the woman for whom he had risked so much, the publicity given to his offence, the acrimony of those who had once been his heartiest admirers, the estrangement of his family, were afflictions that for a while almost disturbed the reason of one who had inherited a taint of madness.

In March his engagement at Drury Lane ended, and it being understood that these were his farewell performances, crowds flocked to the theatre. On the last night, at the conclusion of the play, he was eagerly called for, and on coming forward, the demonstration in his favour for awhile rendered him unable to speak. He was much affected, and after some time said it might readily be understood how powerful was the gratification which prevented him from expressing his feelings.

"I have," he continued, " been able to overcome one of the most powerful and most malignant attacks to which a professional man has ever been subjected." (Cries of "The rascally 'Times.'") "Without alluding to past circumstances, I consider it a base plan for my destruction; and under the influence of your displeasure, which my powerful enemies endeavoured to augment, I must have sank, had not the public protected me. My gratitude is indelible, and my endeavours to merit your favours shall be unceasing."

In June and July (1830) the great tragedian played Richard III., Shylock, Sir Giles Overreach, and King Lear at the Haymarket, the same theatre in which twenty-four years ago he had acted most subordinate parts. Between that time and this his life had been singularly full of events; bitter struggles had been crowned by brilliant victory; the world had smiled and frowned upon him; health, reputation, and wealth had been given him, and he had squandered them wantonly; and now it seemed as if his existence must end in darkness and despair.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Shakespeare
• Actor
• Edmund-Kean
• Ben-Kingsley
• Depravity
• Drunkenness
• Madness
• One-Man-Play
• performing
• arts

[oldernwiser0]

brilliant !