Page 4 Advertisements Column 2

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXIV, Issue 4871, 24 January 1903, Page 4 (Supplement)

Hr Alfred Dampier, who is at present playing iu Adelaide, lias been talking about the Australian drama, its present position, and its possible future. Must people know as much as Mr Dampier on the first point, simply because it is obvious. But as to tire second, be says: "The first play I came across that was thoroughly Australian was a play in one act, by Captain Humphreys. This contained a bush-fire scene, and described how tbe hopes of .the cookies and the squatters were ruined. It was produced at the Theatre Royal in Melbourne, and it was. then that I foresaw that there was a future ahead of the Australian drama, despite many critics, wlio misinterpreted the wishes of the Australian public, and said that what was wanted by them were pieces that represented London and Parisian life.” Sardou’s now play on Dante for Sir Henry Irving is in nine elaborate talileanx, and has forty sneaking parts. Gustave Bore’s hell will be actually _ancl realistically put onjihp stage. One of the most important scenes will represent the Palace of the Popes at Avignon, showing the wonderful frescoes of Giotto. The music will be written by Xavier Leroux, and the scenery will be painted in Par’-* by a well-known artist. The production will be made in London, probably in March.