The Living Arts

Press, 15 August 1978, Page 20

The Living Arts

Heidi authentic "Heidi.” the play set in the Swiss Alps that is being produced for the Canterbury Children’s Theatre by Alex Henderson, should have a touch of authenticity. Members of the Swiss Club in Christchurch have advised the group on the pronunciation of Swiss names, on how to yodel, and on the appropriate background music for the scenes set in the cottage of Heidi's grandfather, high in the Alps. Stewart Robertson has designed the sets and backdrops, and Margot Rdbartes has designed col= ourful, heavily embroidered costumes in the style of the period. “Heidi” will open tomorrow, and run until August 26.

For part of this time its season will coincide with that of another production for children which is being directed by Mr Hendersefn's wife, Taura Henderson. This is a “Storybook Theare,” which will be presented during the first week of the school holidays by a recently formed group based at the Shirley Corn* munity Centre. It will open on Saturday, and close on August 26. A third group will round out the parade of holiday theatre for children in the second week of the holidays, with another production in its “Playbox” series. This is the Riccarton Players, who have regularly contributed holiday entertainment for children for several years.

(jiiitarist A Malaysian-born guitarist who came to New Zealand several years ago with the intention of studying law but is now seeking a music degree instead will give a recital in the Centre Gallery at the Arts Centre on Sunday night. He is Philip Hii, who was born in Sarawak, took his first guitar lesson when he was 13, and two years later, in 1975. was runner-up in the Malaysian national talent contest. He spent a year in Christchurch in 1976, studying at Burnside High School, and is now a student at Victoria University, where he is studying guitar performance with Karl Herreshoff and composition with Ross Harris. His recital on Sunday will feature Bach’s Suite in A minor. Five Preludes by Villa-Lobos, and works by Albeniz, Turina, Sor, and others. Philemon again Christchurch audiences will have another chance next year to see the musical “Philemon,” which had. a successful season for the Christchurch Gilbert and Sullivan and Light Opera Society in June. The society has been prompted, by a number uf requests, to repeat the whole production — with the same producer, same musical director, and. as far as possible, the same cast. Dates have not yet been set, but will be in late April or early May.

—Derrick Rooney