 Later that year , Booth played the part of an American Indian , Uncas , in a play staged in Petersburg , Virginia , and then became a stock company actor at the Richmond Theatre in Virginia , where he became increasingly popular with audiences for his energetic performances . On October 5 , 1858 , Booth played the part of Horatio in Hamlet , alongside his older brother Edwin in the title role . Afterward , Edwin led the younger Booth to the theatre 's footlights and said to the audience , " I think he 's done well , don 't you ? " In response , the audience applauded loudly and cried , " Yes ! Yes ! " In all , Booth performed in 83 plays in 1858 . Among them were William Wallace and Brutus , having as their theme the killing or overthrow of an unjust ruler . Booth said that of all Shakespearean characters , his favorite role was Brutus – the slayer of a tyrant . 
