HIS MAJESTY'S.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1408, 19 April 1917, Page 32

HIS MAJESTY'S.

“THE LAND OF PROMISE.”

Rough out-back life is vividly realised in W. Somerset Maugham’s comedy-drama, “The Land of Promise,” which was presented by the Florence Rockwell company on Saturday, Monday and Tuesday. It is a study in contrasts — a trial of strength between primitive man and cultured woman. Norah Marsh, a young Englishwoman w.th more refinement than money, emigrates to Canada to make her home with her brother and his wife. The latter, a rough colonial product, resents Norah’s superior ways and makes life unbearable for her. In desperation, she marries Frank Taylor, a rugged child of nature, who owns a section in the wheat wilds of Canada. Then miles away from civilisation in a lonely shack comes the fight for supremacy —masterful man trying to tame rebellious woman. In the end after many a stormy scene the 1 modern Petruchio triumphs, and the woman, finding that love has come to her, surrenders. Miss Florence Rockwell m the role of Norah Marsh demonstrated the strength of her emotional qualities, giving a delicate etching of womanliness in her handling of each situation and ris.ng to great dramatic heights in her tempestuous scenes with her sister-in-law and husband. Mr. Frank Harvey as the husband who has to furnish a complete counterpoise to his wife, dominated the performance with his forceful acting, and never has his artistic thoroughness been better evidenced than in his portrayal of primeval man. Vividly drawn was the character of Gertrude Marsh by Miss Gertrude Boswell, her acting being vibrant with strong feeling and vindictive hate as she voiced her contempt of her sister-in-law’s English ways. Mr. Arthur Styan imparted a picturesque sincerity to the part of the burly Eddie Marsh, wh.le Mr. Leondard Stephens afforded an amusing contrast as “Reggie.” Miss Stella Payter, Miss Maggie Knight, Messrs. Boyd Irwin, Frank Harcourt, and William Lockhart gave solid support to a notable presentation.