The Wasp — 1893 — page 423: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is primarily **theatrical criticism and entertainment coverage**, not political satire. The page reviews San Francisco productions from what appears to be the 1880s-90s. The large decorative header features **"Through the Opera Glass"**—a metaphor for reviewing theatrical performances. The illustration shows a woman looking through opera glasses, a common Victorian-era device for viewing stage performances. The text discusses local productions including "The Shadows of a Great City," "Tuxedo," and various operatic works, praising or critiquing performers' skills. References include actors like **Annie Ward Tiffany** and **Corbett** (likely the boxer-turned-actor). The satire is **gentle and social** rather than political—mocking theatrical pretensions and celebrating successful local entertainers. This reflects *The Wasp's* focus on San Francisco cultural life rather than hard-hitting political commentary.