W.E.A.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXXII, Issue 2732, 5 June 1931, Page 4

W.E.A.

PAEROA CENTRE MEETING. “ IL TROVATORE.” Verdi’s four-act opera, "Il Trovatore” (The Troubadour) provided an interesting study at last Tuesday’s meeting of the Workers’ Educational Association® The accompanying lecture covered the somewhat mixed plot and indicated the emotions portrayed in the singing parts. First produced in Rome in 1853, it was immensely popular for many years. Its success lay entirely in its music—it is full of beautiful melody. As a drama it is unconvincing, even foolish. The enchanting music of the opera was conveyed by means of eight double-sided records, contributed by such distinguished modern artists as Galli-Curci, Edna Thornton, Caruso, Martinelli and Destiny, and others. There was no mistaking the pleasure -afforded members by their rendition. It seemed that a rather silly plot must be forgiven when linked with such entrancing melodies. Mrs R. J. Roberts guided the unravelling of the libretto to an interested circle. The second part of the eevning was spent in the casting, reading, and criticism of an home grown domestic drama. No shadow of a great author’s name hampered the freedom of the criticism offered. The lightning changes effected by some of the characters provoked much merriment, possibly the author is merely in step with the present age of rapid transit. "The Pigeon,” by John Galsworthy, will alight in the centre at next week’s meeting. Under the tutelage of Mr H. Priestley, the ever present and knotty problem of affording wise help to the “ne’er-do-well ” and outs” will come under the review of members.