AMUSEMENTS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXIX, Issue 3676, 28 February 1899, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

OPERA HOUSE. MCORE-EOBEiiIS SEASON. “ THE SILENCE OF DEAN MAITLAND,” It is refreshing in those degenerate days when the “sacred lamp of burlesque” seems alone • capable < of holding its own on the boards, to witness a genuinely powerful play of the legitimate type such as was so admirably presented by the Moore-Roberts Company at the Opera House last night. A noticeable feature of the performance was the eager and appreciative intelligence with which the audience followed every incident of the tragic story- unfolded in a fine drama superbly staged.' In Rome quarters the wisdom of opening the season with such a comparatively ; heavy piece was questioned, but the 'success attending last night’s performance must surely have dispolled any doubts of the wisdom of Mr Roberts’s selection. ' It is not necessary to review the drama piecemeal. " In one word it is excellent—both from: a playwright’s point of view, and from that of a literary critic. The language is graceful; at times eloquent, often rising into the; region of poetry, while there is anagreeable absence of melodramatic platitude. .The drama is a wonderful epitome of Maxwell Gray’s story of Dean Maitland’s crime, suffering, penitence, splendid act of expiation and death on the altar steps. The closing scene was profoundly impressive, as. before a crowded cathedral congregation, wont to hang on bis-eloquent lips and dwell on his saint like face, he revealed the dread secret of his life. As the Dean Mr Roberts excelled himself. His acting marked with reserved strength and a complete absence of hysteria so often associated with such parts, being a revelation of this many-sided 'actor’s abilities. As Lilian Maitland Miss Moore was entirely successful, though it is as a comedienne, pnre and simple, that she has made her name famous in two Continents; but over the somewhat lachrymose part of the Dean’s sister was cast that glamour of interest which alone an accomplished actress can impart. Then there came a string of good parts—the play is 'brimful of strong, clean-cut characters, and, without exception, it may be said they "were interpreted with fidelity and that artistic perception so often to be noted in companies whose members ate, for any length of time, associated with leaders, who as in this case, are such consummate exponents of their art as Miss Moorer and Mr Roberts. Mr Ennis, as the elder Maitland, was excellent; Mr Cochrane, as Dr Everard (Cyril’s friend), played a fine part admirably ; Mr Townshepd was also good, while Mr Rivers was distinctly so as Granfer. The smaller parts left nothing to be desired. The Misses Osiood Moore, Branscombe. Woodhill and Corcoran did full justice to the characters in whioh they were cast, Mr Roberta was recalled, and the audience insisted on the curtain being raised when it fell on the fitting climax to the intensely dramatic scene before the cathedral altar. This evening the piece will bo repeated. ■ - The Greenwoods will give a performance at the Exchange Hall to-morrow evening. As a special inducement to patrons a lady’s gold watch will be given away.