HINEMOA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 10174, 13 September 1915, Page 6

HINEMOA.

AN "ARTISTIC PRODUCTION. The Maori Opera Company commenced a two-night season to -a good attendance in the Opera House on Saturday evening, when it gave the first presentation of the Maori opera entitled, "Hinemoa." The visitors came very highly recommended, and before the entertainment; had concluded had more than succeeded in justifying themselves as a clever and talented combination. The opera itself lias some unique characteristics in that it is founded upon a love romance of Maori mythology, and that in its production Maori actors and actresses make their first appearance in anything of so pretentious a nature as the work under notice. The story of Hinemoa. is perhaps one of the most charming and fascinating of any period. It relates how, at some time in ihe dim recesses of the past, the beautiful maid Hinemoa, dwelling with her people. on the lakeside at Rotorua, formed a vftfrh" attachment with Tutanekai. a young chieftain of Mokoia Island, which is picturesquely situated in the centre of the lake. There appeared to be insurmountable difficulties in the way of the.pait bringing their attachment to the result they boto desired, owing to Tutanekai being of inferior rank, and the resulting opposition froiri'Hinemoa's parents. It is on record that in matters this nature, woman always attains the object of her ambitions, and so it proved with Hinemoa. Grieving at Owhata point one evening at the hardness of her lot, Hinemoa was attracted by the notes of Tutanekai"s flute, which were borne on the night wind from the direction of Mokoia. Hinemoa instantly decided to swim across the lake and join her .lover on the island. The task of swimming the lake, which would appear an almost impossible feat, was safely accom plished, and the hero and heroine were united amidst universal rejoicings, and, no doubt, lived happy ever after. The legend, surrounded as it is by so many romantic features, natuiwlly lends itself to the treatment of the ambitious composer, and in this respect Mr Percy Flynn is to be. congratulated on the charming work he has produced, and in addition to the pleasure it is likely to give to thousands of spectators, the setting of the story to music should secure its preservation for all time, and form a valuable record to hand on to future generations as something embodying the best characteristics of the Maori race. The composer has clothed the theme in a wealth of detail that gives l a fine conception-of the character of the traditional Maori. The setting is natural and picturesque, and, as the various characters appear in the dress of the period, the veil of time is lifted for the moment, and the native is depicted in all his old-time associations and customs. The opera is rich in melody, and as the story proceeds, a. delightful profusion of solos and concerted numbers are revealed, showing the company to be particularly fortunate in its selection of vocalists. The first act opens with a morning scene and the chorus, "Hail, Beaming Morn." followed by a haka of uoloQiiK and hunting chorus. "The Life of a Maori Chief is the solo of the stately chief, Whakane, and a very pretty number is that by Tupa, "For She is a Puhi-Maid." "Pure and Lovely Maiden" is Tutanekai's opening solo, and Tiki and Tupa are associated in a pleasing duet, "Little Maori Maid, Good-bye." Ngaruranui, Tutanekai's rival, cings appropriately enough "My Angry Heart,'' followed by the chorus, "Welcome to the Moon." and the parting duet, "By Yonder Star" by Hinemoa and Tutanekai. The first scone in the second act shows Hinemoa in her solo, "To Help and Guide Mo." after which she enters upon her famous swim to the island, and resting halfway sings. "Could I But See Thy Face." The last act depicts the meeting of Hinemoa and Tutanekai, who sang respectively, "Ye Kindly Breezes" and "Love's

Anguish." Tiki and Tupa are again coupled in another pretty duet. "Oh, Shy Little Maid of Mine." The wedding fea=t follows, and the final chorus, "Had, Queen of Mokoia." The various characters were ably sustained. Miss Tirita Riitt. as Hineinoa, and Miss Mere Amohau, as Tupa. giving good impersonations of these roles. and delighting the audience with their charming .singing. Mr Tiawhi Rogers showed to advantage in the character of Tutanekai, his vocal work being particularly pleasing. As Tiki (Tutanekai's friend) Mr T. Mabima filled the part excellently, whilst his solo work contributed not a little to the success of the evening. The other characters were: Xgararanui (Tutanekai's rival), Mr Rua Tawhai; Tawake (Ngararanufs brother). Mr Hamiora; Whakane (Maori chief), Mr Etika Butt; Hinemaru (Hinemoa's mother). Miss Morunga Butt. The opera, which went brightly throughout, fairly revels in quaint touches whir-h were introduced in a way that immediately gained the approval of the audience, and the production proceeded to the accompaniment of a continuous roll of applause, culminating in an artistic success of which the company has every reason to bo proud. Several attractions, in the way of poi dances and hakas of high merit, were introduced, and the whole is supported by nn efficient orchestra under the composer. Mr Percv Flynn, which added grace and finish to a meritorious performance. The scenes and mechanical effects are in keeping wit'< the general excellence of the opera, and ,h c chorus is powerful and tuneful.

The opera, wl, : oh, bv the war, is beimr given in aid of tl<•• Wounded Soldiers' Fund"! will be repeated this evening for the last time in Palmerston.