"THE OCTOROON."

Otago Witness, Issue 1901, 10 July 1890, Page 32

"THE OCTOROON."

Mr J. S. Willis, the popular scenic artist, Who, [to use his own words, has been associated with the rise of the drama in. Dunedin, was on Friday night accorded a benefit, to which his long years of service have certainly entitled him. The piece that was chosen for the occasion, " The Octoroon," was well put on the stage, and the various characters ware satisfactorily rppeated. The audience was very large, and disposed to look not too critically upon the performers, as at the end of every act there was a call, to which moßt of the company responded. Loud cries for the beneficial c, some of whose best work was exhibited in the excellent scenery used on the occasion, were raised when the ourtain fell upon the third aot, aud eventually Mr Willis appeared. In a short speech he thanked the audience for their attendance, and said it was one of the proudest moments of his life, not only that there was such a large attendance, but that he saw around him so many faceß which he had not seen In the theatre for years. He mentioned that since 1864, when he arrived herewith Lyster's Opera Company, he had been asßoolated with the drama in Dunedin. He thanked not only the public, but also the ladies and gentlemen who assisted him in the performance and, it he might venture the opinion, he thought that as a hurriedly ■got up amateur production it was remarkably good. The piece was repeated ou Saturday night.