FORTHCOMING PRODUCTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26849, 13 August 1948, Page 2

FORTHCOMING PRODUCTION

“ Pageant of the Years ” Otago 1848-1948-2048! The story of Otago in all three periods, will be told in a pageant to be staged at His Majesty’s Theatre next week. The first period is known from the records - and stories of pioneering days, the second is a familiar daily companion, and the third, although only 100 years away, is something which, because of the rapid changes in these times, we can only imagine. Written by Mr David Forsyth, the " Pageant of the Years ” depicts the Maoris (Otago’s first settlers), the first white people, their hopes and fears, work and play, and their courage. It tells of the discovery of gold, and, finally, essays a picture of to-morrow—an intriguing forecast of 100 years hence. A peep at the costuming of the pageant shows the authentic piu piu and kakahu of the Maori, the Victorian dress of the early white settlers, the contrast between the costumes of the school children of the past and those of to-day, and the dress which science may combine with art to offer the citizen of the future.

Produced by Miss Bessie Thomson with groups of enthusiastic young people from primary and secondary schools, as well as from the Training College, this pageant should prove a source of interest to people of all ages.