AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 19034, 11 June 1924, Page 2

AMUSEMENTS, MEETINGS, ETC

“PYGMALION AND GALATEA.” AND “ WHILE THE LENTILS BOIL.” Only genius could pour unspoiled into the new bottles of modern com--3 edy the old wine of a Grecian legend . such as that which tells the dramatic . story of Pygmalion, the sculptor, and . Galatea, his beauteous masterpiece to f whom the gods gave life. It was W. > S. Gilbert, that peerless humorist, who J T touched the legend with his magic j wand and gave to the world one of its r brightest and most fascinating plays. I It might be thought that a play so } fashioned, and concocted of such - strange ingredients, calls exclusively j for professional interpretation—that » its subtle and penetrating humour, its J incisive satire, and its perfect artistry L involve such a demand upon the highest histrionic skill as to place it be- ’ yond the aspirations of amateur players. That ’tis not so was demon- ' strated conclusively at the Opera House last evening by Mr. Paul Latham and his pupils. Their presenta- ' i tion of the delightful play was a reveli ation to the great audience which I filled the building. Their work did not | prove that the brilliant conception of the great librettist is capable of being satisfactorily interpreted by other than talented artists. What it did srovc was that the requisite standard of talent is available in the community, and only requires the guidance of a competent mentor to enable it to function in a manner commensurate with the requirements of even such a play as “Pygmalion and Galatea.” It is not an exaggeration to say that Mr. Latham and his associates achieved a triumph, for a triumph it certainly was from every point of view. In no particular was the production marred by the taint of perceptible amateurish imperfection. Every member of the cast had been well schooled, not merely to declaim the lines with eloquent and convincing clarity; but to “live” for the time being the character he or she

was called upon to impersonate. Of Mr. Latham himself, in the role of “Pygmalion,” it is unnecessary to say more than that he was seen at his best in a masterly effort which left no room for criticism. The honours of the dual heroines, “Galatea” and “Cynisca,” were shared by Miss Ola Paterson and Miss Alice Wood. Both these ladies excelled themselves. Miss Paterson’s “Galatea” may truthfully be said to be one of the most impressive and delightful impersonations ever presented by a local performer. Her task, as the vitalised statue, is an exceptionally difficult one, but she carried it through with bewitching artistry and revealed a well-nigh perfect conception of the part. Miss Wood played “Cynisca” with grace and dignity, and her work was characterised by a display of dramatic force and power which elevated it to the professional standard. Mrs. G. Darbyshirc, who can always be depended on for good comedy work, made an ideal spouse of the domineering variety, and literally overwhelmed poor old “Chrysos,” her mildly subordinate 4 ‘hubby” and bumptious patron of art. In the pretty role of “Myrine,” Miss Eleanor Latham gave evidence of the talent which might be expected of her, and was responsible for a clever and wellfinished performance. Mr. 8. H. Smedley’s “Chryscs” proved a piquant counter to “Daphne,” and contributed in no small measure to the fun of the play. As “Leucippe,” the soldier, Mr. Harry Jackson had not a great deal to do, but what he had to do he did very creditably, white Messrs Ronald Doig and Robert Howell appeared respectively as the slaves “Agesimos” and “Mimos,” and made the most of their small parts. The comedy was admirably staged, Mr. Latham having spared no pains to ensure that the scenic effects should be worthy of the piece. As a preliminary to the comedy a delightful little one-act play, “While the Lentils Boil,” was presented by a clever and well-trained cast of Mr. Latham’s junior pupils, as under:—The Butterfly, Phyllis Taylor; the Boy, Jean Ditchficld; the Queen, Beryl Easton; the Mime, Shirley Latham; the Milkmaid (first night), Ngla Burns; the Troubador, John Pargeter; the Headsman, Eleanor Latham. From the dainty little Butterfly to the fearsome Headsman, every one of the young performers did credit to their teacher. A strong orchestra under Mr. Buckley added materially to the pleasure of an exceptionally enjoyable entertainment. Tributes of flowers and confectionary were literally showered upon the fair performers, while at the conclusion of the big comedy all hands received a warmly appreciative ovation from the delighted audience. The concluding performance takes place this evening, when doubtless the Opera House will again bo taxed to capacity.

DURIE HILL SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS DANCE. The next of the delightful dances promoted by the Ladies’ Auxiliary Committee in aid of the Durie Hill School improvements fund, will be held to-morrow (Thursday) night, in the Druids’ Hall. These dances grow in popularity as one succeeds another, and the number of patrons in attendance is very sufficient evidence that the ladies of Durie Hill are expert in catering for the pleasure of dancers. If you have not yet made one of the number of pleased patrons at a Durie Hill School dance go along to the Druids’ Hall to-morrow evening and you will soon become one; more than that, you will readily understand why these dances have such good patronage. Motor-cars in attendance at close of dance for all suburbs on usual terms.