DISABILITIES AT THE TOWN HALL

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 34, 4 November 1929, Page 10

DISABILITIES AT THE TOWN HALL

POOR ACCOMMODATION FOR ARTISTS In America, just as much consideration is given to the artist as the publie in the large concert halls. Such is not the case at the Wellington Town Hall, which is probably one of the worst in the world for back-of-stage arrangements. Originally there were two rooms provided for the artists who used the hall. Both of these rooms have been annexed by others—the city organist has one and the other is used by the staff of the city solicitor. In place of these two rooms one makeshift room was provided in a corner between the stage door and the one leading into the auditorium on the western side of the hall. It is true that there are two other compartments —they can scarcely be called rooms—which are given over to the members of the chorus on occasions, but these are really provided for organ equipment, and have no comforts or conveniences. Signorina Dusolina Giannini was not at all backward in declaiming against the approach to the platform. She considers it the most inconsiderate ?orm of approach possible. Approaching from a draughty passage, one has to climb a ramp to reach the level of the platform. No singer should ever ■be asked to climb an inclined way a minute before singing exacting music, yet there is no other way of reaching the platform. Then, in leaving the stage, one has to make a descent that does not always feel quite ’safe, particularly to ladies who wear very highheeled shoes. The funny little passage, with its faked doors at either end, is too cramped a place for artists to wait in, and there should be room for a table on which to keep the music needed by the accompanist. On Saturday evening, Signorina Giannini, almost unconsciously felt for the side walls in walking up the ramp. Steps should be taken to provide a proper artists’ room on a level with the platform.