Alexandra Dramatic Society.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, Issue 653, 9 December 1908, Page 5

Alexandra Dramatic Society.

"PYGMALION AND GALATEA."

Oa Friday evening next concert goers will have the pleasure of witnessing the staging in the local hill, by the Alexandra Dramatic Society, of that mythological three-act comedy entitled " Pygmalion a'ndV Galai»a.-' In undertaking to produce such a highclass play the members of the society h-tve allotted themselves a somewhat difficult and arduous task, but constant rehearsing has finally gained the ambition of the members—that of producing this famous comedy. This is practically the third series of entertainments given by the society since its inception, and the members are'to be congratulated in the confidence they have won from the public by staging really classical plays. 'Che production of the play under review necessitates a vast amount of time, labor and expense; for it combines, as far as human ingenuity can achieve the operation, the maximum of amusement with the maximum of spectacular display. Several touching scenes are to be met with in the course of its production, and the new scenery and gorgeous display of costumes of the early Greek period lend a delightful charm to the comedy. There must be something very special in a play of this type* which unfailingly entertained the most blase audiences in the greatest cities of Americaj had record runs in the Old Country, and during its production in Australasia some time ago by the Julius Knight Company completely captured Melbourne, Sydney and New Zealand audiences. ' An outline of this classical comedy shows that Pygmalion is a sculptor of the highest attainments, 1 and of the many fine statues which he has produced there is. one that, holds pride of place among such works of art. To Pygmalion this A statue is in itself everthing but life, During a* proposed, brief sojourn of Pygmalion's wife, Pygmalion before her departure exhibits signs that he will be lonely during ,euch absence, the result of which is that his wife—Sinisca by name—appoints the statue as her proxy, and counsels Pygmalion, if thoughts of love should crown on him during, her absence, to speak such thoughts to the statue. During her absence serious complications arise, and all who come within the compass of Pygmalion's surroundings are subjects of such circumstances. The entire foundation ..of the play is sufficient to build up a truly substan-, tial and humorous comedy, giving scope to artists of the highest attainments. To local audiences this comedy is first and foremost of the many plays formerly produced by even travelling companies, and from a spectacular standpoint it is a sparkling success, some really superb effects' being achieved. We have little doubt but that the rising of the curtain on Friday evening will be greeted by an expectant and crowded house.