WOMEN PLAY PRODUCERS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1354, 3 February 1912, Page 10

WOMEN PLAY PRODUCERS.

Mi 1 . Bernard Sliaw has said, "Before you arc five years older, three-fourths of our most popular playwrights will be women. It is extraordinary how they havo mastered—or mistressod—the stage lately." . This prohpecy is well on the way to fulfilment, says the English correspondent of the Sydney "Daily Telegraph. Wo- * men are mistressing tho stage in mor# ways than Mr. Shaw has indicated. Today there are two women in England, Jliss JidithfcCifM'K and Miss;Madgo M'lntosli, who ijfrp (femh-oduecrij—finite a new field fpr women. Mjss Craig,'of whom one hears a good deal in London, and who is a daughter of Ellen Terry, has done some notable work. She was trained for ait actress, and played, among other parts, "Jessica" in "The Merchant of Venice, with Miss Terry and Sir llenry Irving. She attained m small success as an actress, but sighing for "new worlds to conquer," eho saw there was scope for a l woman who could properly, that is to say, artistically and correctly, "dross", plays. Miss Craig thereupon ilevotod her energies for a timo to this work, and it is only fair to record that her gowns did absolutely fit the parts—and the players. Not only did modern dress engage her attention, but she studied "costume" in all its ramifications to such purpose that she is now.ii recognised authority on this, to all women and many men, fascinating subject. The next step was play-produc-ing, and Miss Craig tooK it.' She has successfully produced, to mention a few of lior efforts, "A Pageant of Great Women," in which have been seen many of our well-known actresses, and Miss Cicely Hamilton's clever littlo play, "The nome Coming," which was admirably dona. While at the Little Theatre she has produced nnd stage-managed' Miss Bctssie Hatton's delightful play, "Before tluj Sunrise." To be a plav-producci means much arduous work; more than that, it demands special gifts. The gift of organisation is needed; and the i>ereoption that enables one at a glanco to select the right Jieoplo for the parts in the play !o lie proclnccd, And, porliaps, chiefest of all, one must) love the work so as to inspire all thosa "' who work in the theatre with enthusiasm' for what has to be done aiwl so bring out • the best that is in them. It is a profession that never will be overcrowded; too hard an apprenticeship has to be serv- ' ed, .and its demands are so great. But «■ for the woman who can do it, it is'inagnificcnt work. Truly, the Held for women is widening. 1 . ■ . >• THE EI3T,ICACY OV THE HAIR, > Ladles who neglect their hair lose it, Ladies who try to preserve (heir hair by experimenting amateurishly with lavish-ly-advertised hair washes and invigora-. tors run great risks of ruining'it. The hair is a plant of surpassing delicacy. It is exposed to many perils. It needs care, attention, scientific treatment. Mrs. liolieston is a specialist of the hair. Her ' wide experience has given her an exceptional knowledge of the various forms and degrees of hair trouble. If you consult her, she will tell you cnndidly juse wJiat is wrong, and charge'you no fee for. the consultation. If your hair is causing reu any anxiety'at all; you will do well to • . hear in mind that you . need immediate treatment..' : J>elays arc especially dangerous where the'hair is'concerned. : . Call or write-for an appointment—Mrs,. KellesUin, 250 Lnmbtou Quay.- 'Phono 150r - - : ■