"HIAWATHA’S CHILDHOOD"

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 279, 25 November 1936, Page 9

"HIAWATHA’S CHILDHOOD"

The cast of “Hiawatha's Childhood,” which is being produced at the Opera House this evening by the pupils of the Wanganui Intermediate School, will present a series of dances sk.lfully contrasted. The warriors dance in Scene 1 depicts a tyical Indian dance. The stealthy panther-like movements culminated in a series of war whoops and skirmishes. The “Phantom and WindtSpirits” ballet is a swirl of misty opal-tinted draperies and beckoning forms. In quick, ghostly succession comes the Firefly Ballet, each dancer in brilliant draperies wearing a light on her head—a most effective dance on a semi-dark-ened stage. One of the solo dancers, “The Wounded Deer” has a striking head-dress of antlers, while in the banquet scene Pau-Puk-Kiewis (the Fun Maker) does his whirlwind dance in an elaborate costume trimmed with ermine and much ornamented with beads and tails Ok fur. These dancers serve as an admirable foil for solid Indian background. Over one Hundred braves and squaws, dignified and picturesque, take part in a varied programme of songs, dialogue and activities.