CHINESE THEATRICALS.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3222, 27 October 1881, Page 4

CHINESE THEATRICALS.

In Chef oo a rich Chiuman living in our neighborhood, who had of late years been very successful in his commercial speculations, and had recently obtained by purchase the rank of a high-class mandarin, and the privilege of wearing an opaque blue button on the top of his official hat, gave an extensive thanksgiving performance in public to which we were invited. He selected a large open space close to his own residence, and there had a stage erected, opposite to which a large temporary box was constructed for the use of himself and his friends. On our arrival at the place our host came forward and received us with that formal politeness which is observable amongst the Chinese better classes, and we soon found ourselves in a roomy and comfortable apartment, where seats were at once provided for us. In the middle of the box was placed a large table or altar, which gToaned under the weight of the good things provided as thanksgiving offerings to Heaven. The innumerable varieties of Chinese dishes were here fully represented; roast ducks decorated with, gilt paper, sweetmeats of all kinds, cakes plentifully bespangled with raisins and currants, imitation little pigs formed of pork, fruits in great variety, pigs' feet garnished with bruised potatoes, and a quantity of dishes whoso composition and names are unknown to Europeans, were spread out in promiscuons and rich profusion. Two large pink candles, about three inches in diameter, and decorated with gold, silver, and green leaves, stood ono on each side of ftae, table. • The principal compartment in which we sat was flanked on either side by two small boxes, in'•front'of which were

Boreens, which, wlile concealing the inmates from the vulgar gaze, permitted from within a view of the stage and the movements thereon; these were reserved for the native female connections of the host and his friends. In the meantime [tea was ordered for us, and a servant placod a small table, or 'tea-poy,' in front of us, on which he arranged Chinese cups and poured into them some genuine Chinese tea as consumed by the natives themselves. It is a weak and insipid production, of the colour of pale sherry, and tastes more of hot 'water than of tea; no milk or sugar is mixed with it, and what with the awkward shape of the cups •with their embarrassing lids, and the univifcing nature of the beverage, a cup of tea a la. Chinoise is not a boon much sought for by Europeans. On this occasion we made as few faces over it as we could in presence of our host, and we managed to sip a little without much inconvenience. For some time we sat and watched the actors, and listened to their shrill voices. The stage had no "wings" to it, and the only entrances were two doors at the back, through which the actors entered when their turn came round, and retired when they had performed their allotted part. The imaginations of the audience were not assisted by scenery or stage accessories of any kind ■ indeed, the entire back of the stage was occupied by the orchestra and by attendants and hangers-on, who went about their occupations as if nothing else were taking place on the boards. The whole thing appeared childish and stupid to us ; but considering the length of each principal actor's part set as ifc is to music—if the hideous din and jargon can be called by that name—a vast amount of care and trouble must have been bestowed on the preparations. At all events, judging from the attention of the audience, this Chinese opera~bouffe might be pronounced a success. —Among the Sons of Ham, by Mrs Hughes.