THE THEATRE The Cassons’ Farewell Recital In Christchurch

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27473, 6 October 1954, Page 13

THE THEATRE The Cassons’ Farewell Recital In Christchurch

There are probably few persons in the world this century who have contributed as much to great drama as Dame Sybil Thorndike. There are some actresses who have more of this or that, but none has a grip on so extensive a range as she. In 50 years in the theatre she has risen, through her legendary and outsize roles, to be almost a legend herself. In the Civic Theatre last evening, Christchurch saw Dame Sybil Thorndike, with her husband. Sir Lewis Casson, for what will almost certainly be the last time. As with last Wednesday’s recital, it was a memorable night, marked by artistry, skill, vitality, freshness and perception—qualities that should have been effortlessly recognised by the audience. But in fact they w r ere not until well into the second half of the programme. The response at times until then, though very polite, had not been warm. Christchurch, it seemed, was just not in a responsive mood. Nothing more could have been asked from the two British artists. They had the same brilliance and charm as last Wednesday, when the capacity audience had treated them royally. The Cassons’ programme last evening was entirely new and, as on Wednesday, the imagination was captured and held by the spoken word alone, without music and scenery. Their props were two chairs and a table, with the heavy stage curtain providing a background of deep, rich colour. But from this simple setting, scenes of battle, tragedy, joy, and beauty were vividly brought to the audience. A pause marks their exits and entrance, and there are no costume changes. Indeed, Dame Sybil Thorndike’s classically simple gown and stole more than served the purpose of

a wardrobe. The stole became part of its mistress as it gaily flashed about her shoulders, or folded sombrely around her arms, or drooped miserably. True to their character, formality disappeared as they mounted the steps to the stage, but at no time could a spectator’s attention wander. He was under a ruling hand. The main items on last evening’s programme were by Shakespeare < scenes from “King Henry V,” “The Taming of the Shrew,” and “As You Like It”), and Euripides (the final scene of “The Trojan Women”). In the Shakespeare, Sir Lewis Casson made a belligerent, commanding monarch. and was equally as impressive wooing Princess Katherine. Dame Sybil Thorndike made a charming princess with her delightful coquetry. Favourite Rolp The highlight of the night, and a glorious triumph for Dame Sybil Thorndike, was the Euripides. The dignified Hecuba, next to Joan, is her favourite role. After last evening’s performance of the mourning, proud woman, one could barely imagine a more magnificent Hecuba. To balance the programme there were many ballads and poems. Keats’s delicate “Ode on a Grecian Urn” was read with exquisite care by Sir Lewis Casson. Another, equally well-re-ceived, was a little poem by Dylan Thomas, a young Welshman whose vivid, tempestuous verse won him the acclaim of critics and many followers. Last evening’s performance will live long in the memory of theatregoers. Artists of the calibre of the Cassons visiting Christchurch are rare, but if one judged from the half-filled theatre last evening, one might think they could be seen every week.