POLLARD'S'OPERA COMPANY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12604, 6 March 1903, Page 6

POLLARD'S'OPERA COMPANY.

" TAPTJ." To-morrow evening at the Princess Theatre tho first production of tho Maori opera " Tapu " will be given in Dunedin. ApaTt from its intrinsic merits, it is sure to prove a etrong attraction, dealing as it does with Maori life and customs. The setting of " Tapu " is said to be ns fine lis the piece itself. The scenepainter's genius has given us a beautiful picture of tho lost Pink Terrace of Kotomahaiia, with its surrounding rich vegetation luxuriating in tho damp, warm air. But the scenery ill the first act is particularly fine. It represents an old palisaded pa, with tho tops of tlio luigo posts curvod in rude representation of human hend.il The surroundings are typical of tho Ika-a Maui and the Wai-pounamu, and the scene i 3 a really striking one, with the barbaric attire of the Kctivo and all the aid that beautiful and rich colouring and clever stage mcchanism can give. The Native wliarcs arc. true to the original, and picturesque groups of Natives are added to the scene, while back of alt looms old Mount Tarawera. There are comic songs, love songs, ducts, quartets, trios, and some rousing chovuses, in which latter iicm a Maori haka is introduced with splendid effect, a wild chieftainnecs in full Maori rig brandishing her taiaha at the head of her tribe. A great attraction is the poi dance; the music which accompanies it is quaintly pretty. Mr Hill, the composer of the music of " Tapu," has been particularly successful in his share of the work. Iln ban cfisplayed a wealth of resource in scoring picturesque, varied, and spontaneous music, nn>t in d'l his worli he never ceases to charm tho car ami enchain the attention. Mr Hill wiil personally conduct dunng the performance of "Tauu." The Pollard Opera Company arrive from Ornnaru to-day. A large audience may be anticipated at the l'rinccss Theatro to-morrow evening to witness, tho first production here of the Maori opera. The season will be a very brief one, and will be the last appearance of the Pollard Opera Company in Dunedin for some time.