Eleanora Duse was one of the greatest actresses of her era. She became famous for the many Shakespearean roles she created, the French dramas she played in and for introducing the new drama of Ibsen and D’Annunzio.
During one performance of ‘Romeo & Juliet’ she had an experience where a divine grace descended on her and she realised what the creation of a character could be. She had ‘become’ Juliet and realised that acting could be an art to devote her life to.
The beginning of her career however was not so successful. She received negative feedback from various sources telling her the following:
“Why do you insist on being an actress anyway?” . . . . “Can’t you realise it’s not for you?” . . . . “Choose another profession”
This inspired me because even if you receive negative reviews or criticism, we have to continue and remain steadfast in our self-belief. We must never give up even during low points in our career.
She said “It was never success that I sought – but refuge in art . . . “. To me this is the words from a real actress opposed to the fame-seeking celebrities that fill our television and film screens.
I liked the fact she was simple and avoided unnecessary props and frills in her craft (except for roses). One critic said:
“She does not gesticulate; La Duse is truly a remarkable artist. She creates characters, lives them with a simplicity never seen before on the stage”
“A sobriety of speech and movement: a glance, a gesture, a silence – and the state of her soul appears to the public in its true light”
To me that is real acting from a truly inspirational actress.
Lynn Edmonstone
March 2010
