MISS CHRISTINE CHAFFER

Evening Star, Issue 21636, 3 February 1934, Page 21

MISS CHRISTINE CHAFFER

RECITAL AT OTAGO WOMEN'S CLUB Club members wore indeed fortunate on Friday evening, when -Miss Christine Chaffer, -a visitor from England, who has made a. comprehensive study ,of dramatic art, entertained them with a programme of a most varied character. Miss Shiela Neilson (chairwoman of the play-reading circle) briefly introduced Miss Chaffer, and gave just^a very short review of her work in England. Miss Chaffer made a charming picture as she stepped on to the stage, in a simple frock of rose taffetas, its onlv trimming being a pleated frill round the deep-cut arm holes. She opened her programme with a most dramatic rendering of ‘ The Golden Road to Samarkand, by James Elroy Flecker, in which the many characters who are met with on the journey wore cleverly indicated by just a slight inflection of the voice, or a change in position or posture. This item was followed by three dainty faery poems, which showed quite another side of Miss Chaffer s art. ‘ The Trial Scene ’ from Henry VIH. proved Miss Chaffer’s ability as a tragedienne, while in Kipling s ‘Smugglers’ Song,’ ‘Says She,’ and ‘ Tibby Fowler ’ quite another side of her art was exhibited. In ‘ Mary Queen of Scots ’ we saw our artist as one of the most romantic figures m history, and in a flash we were sympathising with the king who “ did like a little bit of butter to his bread. ‘Overheard on 'the Promenade concluded the set programme, but Miss Chaffer bad to respond to the loud applause of her audience, and gave a sketch of a Cockney woman returning the washing. Lady Ferguson and Mrs Eastcate, in thanking Miss Chaffer for the delightful entertainment she had given club members, referred to her skill and versatility, and the former spoke of the inspiration that she would prove to the dramatic and literary circles during the coming season. It is rarely that we in Dunedin have the opportunity of hearing the spoken word rendered with such perfection, in addition to seeing an artist with such a charming stage presence, her wonderful ’artistry will live long in our memories. Miss Chaffer was presented by Mrs Hislop with a. beautiful bouquet of pink and rose coloured carnations, tied with the tartan ribbon of her clan. The evening concluded with the serving of supper.