WGHS Twelfth Night' Has Good Reception

Northern Advocate, 28 September 1949, Page 4

WGHS Twelfth Night' Has Good Reception

“SOME are born great; some achieve greatness; while some have greatness thrust upon them.” . ■ . , ~ The first two of these quotations may well apply to the members of the cast of the Whangarei Girls’ High School for their production of Shakespeare’s play, “Twelfth Night —the play from which the lines are taken. • The first night of their short season at the Town Hall attracted a moderate audience, but an appreciative one.

It was obvious from the opening scene that much attention had been paid to detail in production; even the lute and recorder players provided music in the style and tone in keeping with the period. The story, set in the mythical kingdom of Illyria, provides ample scope for many forms of theatrical art, and is one of the lighter works of Shakespeare, offering romance and comedy, with a touch of drama, in a colourful setting. In the principal roles of Viola (disguised as Caesario) and Olivia (the rich countess), Jeanette de Montalk and Joan Mcllraith gave sterling performances. Both made full use of voice, expression and movement. Providing the comedy, and proving excellent foils for each other, were Myra Wright, as Sir Toby Belch, and Rona Kokich, as Sir Andrew AgueCheek. They were never at a loss for words or actions, and used much facial expression. As Orsino, the Duke of Illyria, Shirley Tucker was every inch a noble, even when she lost a lover. Malvolio, the posturing, thwarted lover, was well acted by Clare Edginton. June Nicholson ably carried off the role of Maria, the scheming maidservant of Olivia. With the. two knights, Malvolio and the clown, she assisted to provide one of the best of the many scenes —the midnight party outside Olivia’s house.

EFFECTIVE PRESENTATION Feste (the clown) played by Beryl McLauchlan, is much more than just an acting role—it requires vpcal work also. Miss McLauchlan was able to provide this with a pleasing voice and and unaccompanied. Other leading players were Sebastian (Janet Lally) Fabian (Barbara Lowe) and two sea captains (Elsie Smith and Meryl Donaldson). These four provided the necessary back ground to many Interludes. There was quite a large company of attendants, ladies and gentlemen in-waiting on Olivia and Orsino. musicians and sailors, some officers and a priest. All these fulfilled theh respective roles with ease and ability The grouping and the movement on the stage were excellent, while the costuming left nothing to be desired.

Mrs R. Drayton and Miss EHlis were responsible for the production as a whole, and much credit is due to them for the polished and entertaining performance. The action of the play calls for five different settings and 15 scenes; by the use of one main set and many changes of lighting, the audience gained the impression of changes. Mr R. Dravton devised and executed the scenery.