W.E.A.'S OPERA.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 138, 12 June 1936, Page 10

W.E.A.'S OPERA.

GLUCK'S « ORPHEUS » PRESENTED. In its determination to stage a number of the lesser known operas the newlyformed W.E.A. Operatic Club last evening presented Gluck's "Orpheus" in the W.E.A. Theatre, Symonds Street, to a remarkably small but appreciative audience. Aucklnnders' operatic tastes in the past have been cultivated by the more popular successes and presentation of some of. the better but lesser, known pieces by an amateur organisation of such proved theatrical worth ns the W.E.A. is most creditable and, indeed, most fortunate for the city. It were a loss if lack of public response allowed the venture to fail. The company lent itself wholeheartedly to the melodious opera, its theme of eternal love being emphasised in its arias being brought out most satisfactorily. Particularly commendable wns the work of the company of just over a score In the concerted numbers. While the singing pleased music-lovers, theatre enthusiasts were, impressed by the grace revealed in the dances. As in past stage successes, the producers made the most of lighting effects, the tumultuous dance of the underworld furies being peculiarly suited to such presentation. Costuming throughout the production was carefully planned and executed and revealed, as did the music of the accompanying instrumental quintet, evidence of true appreciation of opera. Another classical love story will be presented as the club's next production, to be staged in_ August. This will be nenry Purcoll's "Dido and Aeneas."