STAGE JOTTINGS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 285, 1 December 1934, Page 9 (Supplement)

STAGE JOTTINGS.

AROUND THE FOOTLIGHTS.] THE WORM) OF THE THEATRE. New Zealand music lovers will he interested to hear that Horace Stevens, the world-famous Australian baritone, lias been added to the principals of Sit Benjamin Fuller's Royal Grand Opera Company, now appearing in Melbourne. His recent appearances in this country with the Russian pianist, Lcff Pouirfinoff, are remembered. Mr. Stevens has been identified with the operatic stage with notable success, and has few equals as a Wagnerian exponent. One of his appearances with the Royal Grand Opera Company will be in the role of Wotan in "The Valkyrie." He has sung this great role abroad with distinction.

Surprise was created ir. Birmingham theatrical circles last month when it was announced that Mr. Bladon Peake, a young municipal official, was appointed director of productions at the Abbey Theatre, Dublin, the world-famous home of repertory work. The selection of any Englishman, however eminent, to direct this hotbed of Irish drama, would have evoked interest, but the choice of an amateur in theatrical art suggests that the Abbey people, with typical faith in their own judgment, accepted the recommendations from the Crescent Theatre, Birmingham, that Mr. Peake was a craftsman waiting to be "discovered." He is reported to have endeavoured to persuade his employers tlint an Englishman was not the right man for them, but the Abbey directors apparently knew best what they wanted. Bladon Peako is making a bold opening with "Macbcth," and this will be the first time Shakespeare will be seen in Ireland's national theatre.

Providing the public gives it the expected support, Sir Benjamin Fuller states that at least 20 operas will be staged during the season of his Royal Grand Opera Company, which commenced so triumphantly at the Apollo Theatre, Melbourne, last month. An unusually wide variety of entertainment is provided in the operas already listed. The spectacular "Aida," substantial Wagnerian productions, and the lighthearted "Die Fledermaus" are sufficient proof of this fact. There will be special Christmas productions, including Humperdinck's delightful fairy opera "Hansel and Gretel." Sir Benjamin is eager to produce some of the old English operas, I which he says many people want to hear a<jain.' Both "The Bohemian Girl" and "Maritana" may be staged. Opera is very popular in Australia and New Zealand, and Sir Benjamin holds the belief that good performances in the English language will always be welcome. The scheme had already attracted great interest in the Commonwealth and even in other parts of the Empire, directors of organisations in South Africa and Canada have asked whether the present company will be able to visit those countries. It i 3 Sir Benjamin Fuller's intention to make the forthcoining tour of Australia and New Zealand as comprehensive as possible. '