THE THEATRES.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XII, Issue 242, 26 September 1922, Page 6

THE THEATRES.

MAORI ENTERTAINERS. AT HASTINGS TO-NIGHT. A final reminder is given of the great spectacular Maori display to lie given in the Municipal Theatre tonight. Jhe natives have left no stone unturned for the purpose of making this a record entertainment as far as their part is concerned. In reference to the entertainment given in Napier last month the local press commented as follows: “The entertainment given by the Maoris of the district last night was easily the most enjoyable of its kind staged in Napier for many years. Not since the assembled tribes did honour to the Prince of Wales at Rotorua has such a varied display of hakas, poi dances, and string games been seen in public. In addition to the familiar war-hakas of the men. two exceedingly graceful entertaining hakas were given by the women. It is difficult to understand why these little-known hakas are not given oftener. The most interesting display of all was the representation of the welcome in a Maori village to distinguished chiefs, in full war-tattoo, being realistically terrifying in appearance.” To-night there will be several items new to the public, including the production of sacred fire during the recitation of an incantation and some new figures in the whai or ancient string game. Th© unaccompanied singing of the Moteo quartette party is remarkably good. The Maori Harry Lauder in his Scotch songs will appear for the first time in Hastings to-night and is hound to be very popular. The R.G.S. Maori Orchestra will render special music in keeping w’ith the performance. In consideration of the hard times the lowest possible charges have been made for admission so as to give the (“world and his wife” a couple of hours real good relaxation, enjoyment, and education. Seats may be booked at Riddell’s. THE NELLIE BRAMLEY DRAMATIC COMPANY. The Nelli© Bramley Dramatic Company will play a two nights’ season at Hastings on Monday, October 2nd., and Tuesday, October 3rd, when they win present those two powerful plays. “The Third Degree” and “Sunday.” The company is under the direction of Mr. William F. Russell, who was tor many years connected with the J. C. Williamson firm in a managerial capacity, and is headed by the wellknown and charming young Australian actress. Miss Nellie Bramley, who is supported by such wed-known favouras Arthur Cornell, Guy Hastings, Victor Fitzherbert, George Hewlett, Charles Laurence, Richard Webster. Leslie Woods, John McGowan, Wm. McGowan, George Broad. Ethel Bashford, Nellie Calvin, Biddy Hawthorn, Evadne Royle, Rose Cole, and others. The plays are under the stage direction of that well-known producer. Mr. Thomas E. Foster. The Auckland season ran for five weeks, Wellington followed with four weeks, and Christchurch three weeks, closing in the latter town to capacity business—so much so that Mr. Russell returns there, opening in Christchurch again on October 7th. “The Third Degree” will be presented +he first night of the season, and will be followed ny “Sunday.” In the first-named play Miss Bramley will appear as Mrs Howard Jeffries, junr. It is the story ot a faithful ,loving wife who fights to establish her husband’s innocence. A victim of the inhuman third degree police methods Howard Jeffries, junr., in desperation, confesses to a murder of which he is really innocent. Then comes the wife’s tremendous task--to save him in spite of the police, the yellow press, and publiq opinion. Touched by her devotion, a famous lawyer decides to aid her in the battle of wits, and success finally rewards their efforts. THE PICTURE HOUSES. MUNICIPAL. To-morrow evening the picture that everyone has been waiting for, “Carnival,” will be presented. It is an allBritish production by the Alliance Film Corporation Ltd., and was directed by Harley Knowles, from the great stage success. Matheson Lang. Hilda Bayley and Ivor Novello are the leading players. Venice, with all its beauty has been chosen as the “scene” for “Carnival,” and a perfect picture |ias been made. Another big feature on the same programme is “For the Soul of Rafael,” starring Clara Kimball Young. This is a programme that the management have specially secured. and they claim that it is one of the best that they have yet handled. Special music will accompany both pictures. so to-morrow evening, and on Thursday and Friday, there should be large audiences. COSY DE LUXE. The current programme at th© Cosy has two very delightful pictures heading it. “Towards the Light.” a story set in rural England, has Henry Edwards and Chrissie White taking the leading roles, and a finished interpretation is given. In “Don’t G<‘t Personal,” Marie Prevost is the shining light, and. as usual, provides plenty of amusement. The travel picture “Juggernauts of the Jungle,” the latest gazettes and the orchestra support.