The Harry Watkins Diary, Volume 11 [July 22, 1853–June 12, 1854]

19 May 1854

Fri. (Friday) 19 Rain A.M. cleared off P.M. Reading & walking A.M. writing & reading P.M. At Theatre 7 P.M.—Ethiop does not draw—The play is too heavy—had some of the scenes been condensed it would have added to the success of the piece Dialogue without point to it will not suit a modern audience—the people want action—The cast of the piece is not as good as it might have been—One of the most important parts, Orasmyn, was entrusted to the stage-manager's [sic stage manager's] wife, who removewas isexpand_less totally incompetent to do justice removewith it to itexpand_less

18 —This injudicious cast throws a damper over the whole performance Thus are an employer's interests sacrificed by the man who receives so much per week to promote them