"JULIUS CAESAR”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 144, 20 June 1931, Page 10

"JULIUS CAESAR”

SCHOOLBOYS AND SHAKESPEARE ANOTHER SPLENDID PERFORMANCE Everyone has heard of Julius Caesar. Likewise everyone has heard of Shakespeare. The poet immortalised the soldier by his play, while tho poet in turn is immortalised by those who read his works and perform his plays. The play, “Julius Caesar,” was produced by the Wanganui Technical College for tho second time last night, and it is no exaggeration to say that their rendering of the famous play was even better than that when they produced it a month ago. The boys were more accustomed to an audience, and their voices and actions were more convincing and firmer. Their enunciation was splendid and every word was heard clearly, while the interest of the wellfilled Opera House was held throughout.

Dressed in the stately Roman togas, of the picturesque tunic and cloak, with gold or silver helmets, the boys made a brave show. In. a performance of such even merit, it is invidious to mention names; every character had been studied and given an individual life, most of the renderings being the pupil’s own conception. Julius Caesar is essentially a male play—there are only two female parts, but short as they were, they added considerably to the success of the performance. Portia’s agitation and Calpurnia’s queenly acceptance of the disabilities of her position as tho |toman Dictator’s wife, were excellently done. When it is realised that Brutus, Cassius, Antony and Caesar are parts which tax the powers of company “stars,” it must be conceded that the boys who took these parts put up a sterling performance.

A {Shakespearean play is a big undertaking. There were over thirty performers in this one. Rehearsals were done all out of school time. The costumes were a feature of the production. Enthusiastic and efficient co-operation were evident, from all parts of the school. Much of the success on the night was due to the efficiency of the mechanical workers, prompters and lightmen. The following was the cast:—Julius Caesar, C. B. Sheriff; Mark Antony, T. G. Robinson; Marcus Brutus, A. Ansley; Caius Cassius, N. L. Banks; Octavius Caesar, R. L. Hutchens; Lepidus, W. Newton; Portia, Brutus’ wife, M. Spurdie; Calpurnia, Caesar’s wife, P. A. Wilkinson; Casa, D. W. McElwain; China, W. K. Hutchens; Metolius Cimber, W. Watt; Trcbonius, N. Webb; Caius Ligaiius, P. Bartrum; Decius Brutus, F. Wiggins; Cicero, H. Pargeter; Popilius, S. B. Smith; Popilius, E. P. Noble; Lucilius, S. B. Smith; Titinius, W. K. Hutchens; Messala, W. Watt; Cato, E. P. Noble; Volumnius, D. W. McElwain; China the Poet, N. Owen; Lucius, Brutus’ servant, N. Ginn; Servant of Caesar, A. Kinkade; Servant of Antony, D. Sheriff; Flavius, R. L. Hutchens; Marullus, W. Newton; Varro, N. Webb; Claudius, P. Bartrum; Strato, A. H. Bergen; Pindarus, F. Wiggins; First Commoner, J. Clarke; second Commoner, J. Carthy; Artemidorus; a Sophist, A. 11. Bergen; Soothsayer, B. McKay; Chorus, K. Barry. Tho success of the production was enhanced by the orchestra, under Mr W. Hutchens. Mr E. A. Wat,kin was the producer. The costumes were by Miss Copsey, Miss Williams, Mrs Watkin, Air Cross, Air Evans, and Air Htissall.