N.Z. MUSICAL FLOPS
Public ApathyCriticised (N.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND, April 15. New Zealand's first Maori musical, “Uwane," was taken off at Auckland last night, a week early. The writer, Mrs Z. Rowell, said: “I have no faith left in New Zealanders’ patriotism. I am bitter not for myself but for my cast, whose enthusiasm astounded me. “I have lost everything, but I was warned here and in Wellington that the New Zealand public would not accept a New Zealand work." She said she was appalled at the public’s apathy. The cast of 55 were complete amateurs. Mrs Rowell said she had been advised to take the musical to America and it was to be taped and sent over. Last night the show was put on for an audience of 30. The musical, which cost £3500 to produce, showed box office returns for the four nights of £392 Ils 6d. Salaries for orchestra and theatre labour totalled £533 5s 6d. Mrs Rowell said she would have to sell her home to cover the losses. The cast wants to take “Uwane" to Hamilton, but Mrs Rowell is undecided.
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Bibliographic details
Press, Volume CI, Issue 29799, 16 April 1962, Page 14
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186N.Z. MUSICAL FLOPS Press, Volume CI, Issue 29799, 16 April 1962, Page 14
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