“CANDIDA”

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 43, 14 November 1941, Page 4

“CANDIDA”

Shaw’s Play Of The Nineties Presented By Thespians The closing decade of last century, still frequently spoken of as the “Nineties,” produced a certain elegance of fashion and a ponderous taste for solid furniture liberally upholstered in red plush, characteristics brought to light in G. B. Shaw’s “Candida,” which the Thespians presented in the Wellington Town Hall Concert Chamber last night. The time of the play is 1894, in London, in the study of the Rev. James Morrell, husband of Candida, or, as she is caked by her father, Candy. Bric-a-brac, in the form of small tables holding ornaments and photographs, a carved rack for magazines and papers, a bookcase neatly filled and several large gilded vases decorated the study, a prosperous-looking room. A massive mahogany desk, swivel chair, red-covered couch, chairs, and a large cupboard well filled the space available. Long red plush curtains with ball fringe hung at the window and the walls were covered with dark green paper. As Candida, Iris Wright wore two lovely ensembles. The first was a travelling suit in dove grey, with double frilled shoulder cape. Leg o’ mutton sleeves, high neck and fitted bodice and a very full skirt made the dress With its grey braided trimming. Her small grey hat had a black ostrich plume and short veil and her ornaments were a heavy silver locket and chain and filigree belt. She carried a grey muff and silver purse. In the third act, black chiffon velvet made her severely-cut evening gown which had a trained skirt, fitted bodice and brief sleeves. Lovely maltese lace made the deep bertha collar. The minister’s secretary, Prossy, was played by Lois Mair. As befitted a business woman, her clothes affected a “mannish” cut. A starched eton collar, with black tie and white starched cuffs, finished the red tartan blouse that she wore with a full black skirt Her evening gown was more feminine, however. It consisted of a cream silk muslin blouse with high neckband tucked into a maroon skirt, the waist of which was outlined with a brilliant studded belt.