LA MERI

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXV, Issue 12965, 14 September 1936, Page 4

LA MERI

REVELATION TO GISBORNE

TALENTED DANCER AT OPERA

HOUSE

MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE

Due perhaps: to the fact that Ginborn el is off the beaten track so far as high-class entertaoment generally are concerned, few in this district •It is safe to say 7 , had; heard of the celebrated Spanish dancer La Meri• After Saturday evening, however, her n'ame will be almost a household word, for this great artist is at her zenith, and the large audience at the Opera House, when the upstairs portion was: filled to capacity,. will for years, to come, esteem the privilege of having seen La Meri’s studies, and will recall the new and glorious vista opened in the art of dancing.

Of lithe form La Meri tells her story and revels her moods not by 7 the mid of words hut with her twinkling toes, her wonderfully expressive hands and arms, the poese of her head, the movements of her body, and her facial expressions. Each number is a message conveyed solelyby the technique of the dancer and the artistry of the actress. In a programme of seventeen dances—national, interpretative, and racial—each different in every aspect, it is indeed difficult to choose any one as outstanding. All were popular and each was* followed by prolonged applause hut owing to- length of tho programme it was found impossible to respond with recalls. Each da.nce ■is given in correct dress, Spanish, Chines?, Japanese, Indian, Mexican, or Cuban, and appropriate dress in the interpretative numbers, were indeed -a revelation, for never had the like been '-seen in Gisborne before.

Of the numbers on the programme, the bracket- of four interpretative dances probably appealed most to the audience, and of these four, too were outstanding—‘-‘The White Peacock”, ,and “Humoresque”. In the former the impressionistic soft white costume, and the glorious pose, strut, and spread action, with realistic head, arm, and body gestures, conveyed the story of the peacock as clearly as words, and made a haunting dance picture. Then, from magnificence and arrogance, La Meri -ai few minutes later ro vealed an entirely different mood, in a grotesque conception of the spirit of Dvorak's “Humoresque”, in which with the aid of masks, lighting, change of dress, with accompanying gestures and moods, she conveyed ti realistically humorous idea of the sterv of Bluebeard. In succession, she portrayed the various wives, the loving, the sedate, the haughty, the giggling, and finally was seen as the villain, himself, complete with scimitar and bea.rd. And to each character the music of tbs well-known composition was -strangely apt. This number drew forth much mirth from the audience, and its conclusion was followed by 7 prolonged applause.

The other two numbers of the interpretative bracket were a delicate Nicturne based on a Chon in composition, and a dainty gavotte in which La Meri was assisted by Laura. Moltica as a- young courtier, play being made with a lengthy ribbon in the form of a lover’s knot.

In the- bracket of national dances, Spain, as was perhaps natural, occupied the most prominent place, and in this section, the Sevillian shawl dance was particularly . fascinating. Five gloriously magnificent shawls were artistically waved in colorful -Spanish dances, inspired by the play of the toreador with his cape in the tunring, and as each dance ended, the shawls were spread artistically on the stage, making a wonderful scene. Other dances in this section included a, bolero based on Spanish gypsy steps, the music, and the dancer in' unison gradually ascending fro-m a low, almost inaudible accompaniment through a- magnificent crescendo to a final crash of melody, with the gipsy gradually ascending in her moods till the dance ends in wild abandon. The other numbers in the Spanish section were two Andalusian dances. Throughout the Spanish bracket wonderful play was made by the dancer with her castanets, her timing being almost uncanny in its accuracv.

Then the scene changed to the Orient, with a Japanese Spring Flower dance, and “Naeni Nrrta” a wonderful Indian dance; the concluding number befng “Empress of Pagodas”, its pantomimic steps and gestures telling of a. legend, with wonderful fan work, and spectacular manipulation of a gorgeous headdress, with three long -silver pheasant feathers.

The racial numbers were well worthy of their place on the programme. They comprised a simple dance of peasant women, of Panama ; an ancient. Mexican study, and an expressive care-free Cuban mulatto dance with further skilful shawl play The programme concluded with a Hawaiian hula, the dancer opening by singing the well-known “Aloha Oe”, the typical island dance with it-s body gestures being revealed in a new and artistic light. During the evening, two pianoforte solo® wore played by Mario Salerno, “Tnano” (Albeniz),, and a- “Rigo-let-to” paraphrase by Liszt. Orchestral items were played between each dance by Mario Salerno (piano), Tom ChalleiU (violinist), and Joan How ley (‘cellist).

The final concert will bo given this , evening when, , new numbers will be presented., and in view of the crowded attendance on Saturday eveningearly booking at Tattensali and Bayly’s is advisable.' 'N * FAREWELL APPEARANCE TO-NIGHT. .... NEW PROGRAMME. Mme. La Men will make her fareweH. appearance in the Opera House o-night, .whan she will present a new programme.' In response to many requests she will repeat- “The White Peacock,” ““Goyesca” and “Hnlalei Hula,.; which wero the most popular dances * on . Saturday., night’s > programme, while twelve new dances will bq introduced. These will include ■The Russian Doll, ’ ’ < ‘The Adoration of-the Virgin’* (Vivaldi) which is considered by many to be the most beautiful dance in Mme. La Mari’s repertoire, “Rituel Fire Dance” (Spanish

gypsy dance), “Hearts and Spades ~ a Spanish eastanette dance performed with a pack of cards, “Danse Araße to tho well-known music of Tchaikowsky, in which Mme La Meri accompanied herself with tiny, finger-cym-bals, ‘-‘Mirando a Espana” a modem Spanish dance, “Bedajo” (Japanese Court dance), , “Lasyanatana, a Hindu dance which tells of the adventures of a young girl in her garden, and several bright dances from Central America. Mario Salerno, the young solo pianist will.play piano solos, including Chopin’s Ballade in G Minor and Thomas ChalJen and Joan Ho.vlcy will play violin and cello interludes between the- dances. This will be positively tho last appearance of Mme. La Meri in Gisborne, and all lovers of music are advised not to miss this unique opportunity of seeing one of the world’s greatest dancers. The entire presentation is under the personal direction of Guido Carreras, who created the gorgeous lighting effects. The booking is at Tatterrail and Baylv’s, where seats may be reserved, and where day sale tickets for unreserved -back seats will be on sale all day to-day. A limited number of pit seats at 2 j- will be on sale ,at the Opera House to-night at 7.15 p.m. All prices are plus tax. Children are half-price to all except tile 2/seats.