LOUISE POMEROY'S COMPANY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 6916, 17 January 1884, Page 5

LOUISE POMEROY'S COMPANY.

"THE WINTER'S TALE." Tnis play of Shakespeare was produced last night. It had never before been played in Auckland, and therefore attracted a large audience. It requires many accessories of scenic detail as well as special talent to present it effectively. An eminent critic has described this production of, Shakeßpeare's to belong to a class not even enumerated by 1 Polonius. The first two acts are iu the I highest vein of tragedy, the third is prologue I to the other two ; the fourth act is a pastoral lof the most idyllic form. Leoniies {Mr. ! Arthur Elliot) is possessed of a jealous imagination more obdurate than the suspicion of Othello. Hermione (Madame Pomeroy) is the highest type of queen and woman. Her impeachment by Leontes as an adulteress; the profound but vivid force with which she defends her honour, the magnificent invocation of the oracle, and the manifestation of her innocence in the response of the God Apollo, make up a situation and a scene the most imposing by its dignity that can well be conceived. The position presents more instant power than oven the great court scene in Henry VIII , where Katheriue appeals to Rome. This greater power is in the instantaneous response of the oracle, accompanied by the prediction that the King shall have no heir until his lost child (Perdita) be found. The story of the daughter born in prison is indescribably tender. The exposure of the child in the forest which gives rise to under plot that precipitates the denouement is romantic in the strieteat sense of the term. Next to Hermione comes the character of Paulina (Miss B. Lewis) which is an admirable type of womanly strength, goodness, and constancy in the friendship that is so often observed among women. Miss Lewis deserves the praiße of interpreting with considerable power and force the main features of this r6lc. But the Hermione of Madame Pomeroy must be classed as perhaps her greatest and moat complete of her performances. It would be most diliioult to realise greater tragic force than she infused into the first two acts. The next appears in the famous " statue scene "in the last act. The rigid movement of the apparent Btatue towards Leontes had a singularly pathetic effect. The sudden recognition of the king and of Perdita was full of potent significance, and was thoroughly appreciated by the audience. We know of no finer example of elocution thau her rebuke to Leontes upon going to prison, and her demand to have the company of her maids. XVc never like to make comparisons in pronouncing upon individual merit. But there was an eminent English actress whom Madame Pomeroy as an artist resembles very much. I We mean Miss Glyn. She has the same intellectual reach ; the same insight into textual meanings ; the same typical form in J which strength and grace arc combined. Mr. Arthur Elliot played Leontes with excellent effect; in form and vigour nothing could be better. Mr. F. C. Appleton was Polixcnes, aod played that role with dignity and effect ; Mr. Joyce was Antigonus, and was equally effective; Miss E. Bronton was Princc Florizcl, and Miss P. Lewis Perdita ; both were well performed roles. Mr. J. J. Kennedy was Autolycus; Mr. Foley, the Clown ; and Mr. Arrowsmith the Shepherd. All three parts were loudly applauded. Miss Thornton, a most intelligent child, played Mainillius to the great satisfaction of the audience. The song in the fourth act by Miss Bronton and Miss B. Lewis had to be repeated, as also the dance which formed part of this pastoral scene. The whole thiDg was of the highest and most intellectual class of entertainment. It was thoroughly acceptable to all parts of the house. It will bo repeated this evening.