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Story
September 12, 1833
Virginia Free Press
Charles Town, Jefferson County, West Virginia
What is this article about?
Actor Mr. Hackett recounts an enthusiastic audience tribute to George Washington during a Dublin Theatre performance of Rip Van Winkle, where the mention of the 'Father of his Country' prompts roaring applause and moves him to tears.
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Tribute to Washington at the Dublin Theatre.
Mr. Hackett, the actor, gives the following account of an occurrence at the Dublin Theatre.
The first night of Rip Van Winkle, when, in the midst of the scene, he finds himself lost in amazement at the change in his native village, as well as in himself and every body he meets, a person of whom he is making inquiry, mentions the name of Washington. Rip asks, "Who is he?" The other replies—"What! did you never hear of the immortal George Washington, the Father of his Country?"
The whole audience from pit to gallery seemed to rise, and with shouting, huzzas, clapping of hands and stamping of feet, made the very building shake.
These deafening plaudits continued some time, and wound up with three distinct rounds. To describe to you my feelings during such an unexpected thunder-gust of national enthusiasm, is utterly impossible. I choked—the tears gushed from my eyes, and I can assure you it was only by a great effort that I restrained myself from destroying all the illusion of the scene, by breaking the fetters with which the art and character of Rip had invested me, and exclaiming in the fulness of my heart, 'God bless old Ireland!'
Mr. Hackett, the actor, gives the following account of an occurrence at the Dublin Theatre.
The first night of Rip Van Winkle, when, in the midst of the scene, he finds himself lost in amazement at the change in his native village, as well as in himself and every body he meets, a person of whom he is making inquiry, mentions the name of Washington. Rip asks, "Who is he?" The other replies—"What! did you never hear of the immortal George Washington, the Father of his Country?"
The whole audience from pit to gallery seemed to rise, and with shouting, huzzas, clapping of hands and stamping of feet, made the very building shake.
These deafening plaudits continued some time, and wound up with three distinct rounds. To describe to you my feelings during such an unexpected thunder-gust of national enthusiasm, is utterly impossible. I choked—the tears gushed from my eyes, and I can assure you it was only by a great effort that I restrained myself from destroying all the illusion of the scene, by breaking the fetters with which the art and character of Rip had invested me, and exclaiming in the fulness of my heart, 'God bless old Ireland!'
What sub-type of article is it?
Biography
Historical Event
What themes does it cover?
Bravery Heroism
Triumph
What keywords are associated?
Dublin Theatre
Rip Van Winkle
George Washington
Audience Reaction
National Enthusiasm
Theatrical Performance
What entities or persons were involved?
Mr. Hackett
George Washington
Rip Van Winkle
Where did it happen?
Dublin Theatre
Story Details
Key Persons
Mr. Hackett
George Washington
Rip Van Winkle
Location
Dublin Theatre
Event Date
First Night Of Rip Van Winkle
Story Details
During the play Rip Van Winkle at Dublin Theatre, the character's inquiry about George Washington prompts the audience to erupt in prolonged applause and cheers, deeply affecting actor Mr. Hackett.