"TRILBY"

New Zealand Times, Volume XLV, Issue 10450, 1 December 1919, Page 4

"TRILBY"

DRAMATISATION OF DU HAURIEK'S. NOVKL. Tho Allan Wilkie Dramatic Company scored anotlier success at the uranu Opera House on iSaiuruay evening, wuen cue stage version of Du Mauriers popular aim fascinating novei "Trilby" was presented beiore a large auuience; 111 ract, "Trilby" proved one of the most successful uitrouuctions to uate of tlie no iv lengthy seaioii, as indicated by tne expressions of approval from the "house" on its opening niglit. The story, popularised botii by tno book atseli, tne stiige, and tlio cinematograpli, opens in a btuaio 111 an artist's lion, of tho Parisian Latin quarter, wiioro Trilby (J'i-ari-eli acts as mouel to a trio ol LngUbii artists, without, however-, (as it is prc-a.uuied most poseurs do) sacrificing her character, iriiby falls.in love ; with "Little tiiily," the junior member of ths Bohemian party.' One-of'the'visitors to the hat is an eccentric Oriental Je-,v named bvengali, who, realising that the girl possesses no voice yet all tho physical requirements to render her a world-renowned , singer, conceives the idea oi kidnapping i lior under a hypnotic spell. Casting her into a trance, ho compels her to write to I her friends a noto stating that she has gone to her own people, and induces her to accompany him on a singing tour of the world, which shall result iu tamo for them both. Tho girl, so long as she is influenced by Svengali's. master mind, sings her way into Continental prominence, and soon holds a name as a wonderful contralto. But disaster soon, overtakes the crafty and ovil-minded Svcngali. ■ Trilby is only able to sing when confronted with him as conductor of the orchestra, where he is' in such a position a s to wield over hor the futl strength of his hypnotic power. One night, unable to take his place »-ith the baton, he is overwelmed bv hearing her sing excruciatingly out of tune. Rising from his seat, he endeavours to oxert his will over her, but, having undermined his' own strength in repeatedly rendering her oblivious, falls back dead. The concluding scene pathctliicall v shows how Trilby, reunited with hor lovor, is still dominated by ■ mastermind, which eventually also results in her death.

Ihe part pf Svongali imposed upon Mr Allan Wilkio some very heavy demands and a severe strain which only an accomplished actor epuld sustain" satisfactorily. Mr Wilkie gave an excellent interpretation of the maniacal striving of the Jew for fame, and never allowed tho least embarrassment in a strangely awkward part. - Miss Prediswyde HunterWatts gave a natural and. convincing characterisation of Trilby, and in her portrayal of the unfortunate girl's powerlessness, the appreciation of the entire audieniia. Mr Guy Hastings, Mr Fred Paty,' and Mr Felix Bland, as the three English artists—Talbot Wynne, Alexander McAlister, and William Bagot—porfornied with their oustomary ability; the no(e of Gecko, Svongali's companion, was carried out by Mr Gerald Harcourt. Mr Edward Laudor gave a most amusing impersonation of tho Rev. Bagot, "BillieV parson father; to whom he gavo a very droll pulpit style. Miss Lorna Forbes made a vory homely Mme. Vinard, concieurgs at trie artist's fin't, while Miss Helen Fergus presented the rolo of Mrs Bagot with amusing dignity. "Minor parts were taken by Mr Bernard Beeby, Mr Kingston Hewitt, Mr Augustus Neville, Mr Vincent Scully, Miss Vera St. John, and Miss Mona Duval. "Triby ' will bo again staged this evening-