The Stage “THE MADWOMAN OF CHAILLOT”

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28321, 5 July 1957, Page 7

The Stage “THE MADWOMAN OF CHAILLOT”

Teachers’ College Production

In “The Madwoman of Chaillot” the students of the Christchurch Teachers’ College have undertaken a play which requires a strong cast. The players must be able to act with sp’ r ’t and iur. ■’nd at the srme time to interpret the delicate fantasy that marks everything Giraudoux wrote. In the nerforinance given in the hall of the Teachers’ College last evening. the indiv ; duality of the play was preserved and its meaning brought home with unexpected skill and directness. Of course it misht be objected that act II was not kept up with the gaiety so apparent in act I; but this is hardly to be wondered at. for the strain imposed upon the cast considerable.

Deanna Milne, however, as the Countess /urelia, did not flag. She had a magnificent role to fill, and her performance w?s really a distinguished one. Professional standards in New Zealand are not particularly high at the n.oment; but Miss Milne’s acting is probably equal to anything that may be seen in more loudly advertised productions for some time to come.

Other members of the cast could hardly keep up with the Countess Aurelia; M. Garrett, as thp ragpicker. acted with convincine steadiness, however. Of course he had not the same opportunities as were afforded by last year’s production of 'Bridie’s “Anatomist,” but was nevertheless able to bring out the vein of fanciful humour which is a feature of “The Mad woman of Chaillot.” D. Lock, too. made the most of his satirical portrait of the rascally company president and promoter, and Gerald Williams and K. Hopki-' gave well contrasted performances.

In act II the comedy at the beginning was genuine but retrained. and here Janet B’’' ley. Mary Pansing, and Rosalind Caddick acted with a pleasing sense af period and style. Numbers of other players filled the smaller parts They were all capable, and had obviously been well trained hy their producer. Annette Solly It was Indeed a pleasure to see an interesting play staged with so much enthusiasm and discernment. qualities which are not always found in company C.E.S