“COMING OF CHRIST”

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 68, 13 December 1932, Page 5

“COMING OF CHRIST”

- ... John Masefield’s Play PERFORMANCE IN CITY Four years ago a deep impression was made in England when John Masefield’s play, “The Coming of Christ,” was performed in the Canterbury Cathedral. Since then this beautifully imaginative play has been presented in other churches in England with the same profound effect. In a darkened church, with floodlights directed upon the choir chancel, Masefield’s play was reverentially presented in the Terrace Congregational Church in place of the usual service on Sunday evening. The “Coming of Christ” is divided into four parts—“ The Four Spirits,” “The Three Kings,” “The Three Shepherds,” and the appearance of Christ in the arms of the Madonna (Miss Phyllis Linton). “The Four Spirits” are Power (Mr. B. R. Lankshear), The Sword (Mr. Wright), Mercy (Miss N. Miller), and. Light (Miss Mary Cooley). To these four spirits the Anima Christi (Rev. Herbert W. Newell) appears, and is informed of his pending mission on earth, and how he is to suffer and die for man. The three kings are of earthly mould, and represent the ruling passions of men. These are Balthasar (Mr. R. Wood), Gaspar (Mr. E. A. Hurley), and Melchior (Mr. J.. Carr), who speak of one coming who shall be King of Kings, whilst the three shepherds—Rocky (Mrs. W. J. Lankshear), Earthy (Miss Jean Archibald), and Sandy (Mr. E. B. Davis) —also discuss the pending Coming. Finally all participate in a lovely .tableau in which Christ figures as a babe in arms, and to Whom all do homage in a- graceful and devotional fashion, followed by a procession right through the congregation to the main entrance.

The Rev. Mr. Newell as Anima Christi sincerely represented that air of sweetness and humility which accords with Mr. Masefield’s conception of Christ. Among others, Miss Mary Cooley spoke her lines beautifully as “Light,” Mr. E. A. Hurley’s deep resonant voice and good sense of dramatic expression was especially good as Gaspar, and Mr. 8.-R. Lankshear was effective as Power. The production was valuably assisted by the organ and choir under Mr. H. E. Brusey, who sang a good deal of the music, written for the play by Gustav : Holst, supplemented by the splendid anthems, “Turn Back, Oh Man” (Holst), and “Sing Allelujah” (Eric Thiman). “The Coming;of Christ” was presented again last evening to a large audience.

To the inspiration and enthusiasm of Mrs. W. J. Lankshear is due the success of the performance' of “The Coming of Christ,” the first in New Zealand as far as is known.