CHILDREN'S THEATRE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23381, 24 June 1939, Page 18

CHILDREN'S THEATRE

THE "TEMPEST" PLAYED SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE A successful presentation of Sh-ine-Bpearc's "Tempest" wn? given by mom. hers c>f the Auckland C'Siikli on s lheatre at St Andrew's Hall. Symouds Street, ' last night. This was the theatre's ninth production in three years and the performance was [greatly enjojed by a large audience. . The obvious enjoyment with which the juvenile cast entered into the performance was a fitting tribute to the theatre's efforts to inculcate among . them an appreciation of the best in literature and drama. • The children plaved their parts with surprising confidence, they spoke clearly and without falter, and they maintained the appropriate Shakespearean blank verse, rhythm with ease. Charming dancing and clearly-spoken lines were a feature of the performance of the juvenile actor interpreting Ariel, while the role of the savage Caliban, was. also cleverly portrayed. Ofher parts calling for special mention were those played by the children in tlie roles of Prospero, Miranda and Alonso. The play was simply but most effectively staged. In general,,-the costumes were very attractive, some having been prepared by the juvenile performers i themselves. Tho "Tempest," which has been pro- I - duced by Mrs. Zoe Bartley-Baxter, will be repeated this afternoon and this evening. - •