EDNA THOMAS

Evening Star, Issue 18926, 28 April 1925, Page 5

EDNA THOMAS

“ Last night I went to hear Edna Thomas (wrote Hector Bolitho in London). She made mo wish that I had never been a dramatic critic—so that 1 could have kept all tho phrases I have squandered on little people, who do not matter. There are adjectives I have given to the little fry that pass into the half remembered, and still, since words have their limitations, one can use only those same phrases to describe a tremendous artist'. Edna Thomas sings plantation songs. Ear behind all the jazzing of America, you might bo able to find the simple negro melodies from which this lesser stuff has sprung. It is with these negro melodies that Edna Thomas concerns herself. She told me a day or two ago that she is going to Australia. There are four women on the English stage I have ever wanted to know away from it. They are Marie Tempest, Constance Collier, Beatrice Lillie, and Edna Thomas. For the rest I am contented (as they are no doubt) to have the footlights between us. But I have mot Edna Thomas and I envy all Australia-- where you are to hoar her sing her delicate, simple songs with a grace that stirs the cleanest, finest part of your soul. I have said she sings plantation songs. She sings them, how can. one describe it? If I said artistically it would mean nothing, for such words have lost their meaning. If I said that she thrilled mo so much that wo walked out of the theatre sooner than sou another turn and spoil the beauty she gave us—would that give you in any measure an impression of what I felt? Tho delicacy, the grace, the cool simplicity of her singing and-t he richness of her voice I’d sooner hear than all the Melbas who ever filled the "Royal Albert Hall. I have sat down to try to write a little appreciation of Edna Thomas, and 1 find I can't write what is in my heart. I only know this : Australia is new and big and muscular. But it has a tenderness and an appreciation for beauty, and 1 know that Edna Thomas is going to stir the finest feelings of my antipodean home, whither she goes, as an artist ranking with Tempest and Wish Wynne, as we knew her eight or nine years ago.” Edna Thomas will give the first costume recital of her scries at the Burns Hall, Dunedin, on Thursday, April 30. ‘She will be assisted by Lucile Lawrence, harpist, and Constance Piper, pianist. Subsequent recitals will be given on Saturday, May 2. and Monday, May 4. The season is under the director! of E. J. Carroll, and the box plan at The Bristol.