"HINEMOA"

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2564, 11 September 1915, Page 3

"HINEMOA"

BY THE MAORI.OPERA COMPANY. At the Grand Opera House on September 16, Mr. I'. Bennett's Maori Opera Company will commence a six nights' season, v.r.der the patronage of Their Excellencies the Governor an<l the Countess of Liverpool, and the Eight Hon. W. P. Massey, who will be present on the first night. The first night's takings go to the Wounded Soldiers' Fund, also half • the net profits of the tour. The company fc&ve been meeting with great success all along the tour. - The pretty opera is based on the story of Hinemoa, a beautiful Maori maiden who lived three hundred years ago. She was the flower of the Maori race and waa looked upon by her people as the spirit of beauty. The Maori race glorified in every living thing that was beautiful, and Hinemoa fell to her share ot adoration, but whilst still J, 11 the years of her tender girlhood she fell in . love with Tutanekai, who worshippedvher ;n turn. Hinemoa, who was s.i beautiful, nas of very Ugh rank and station, but Ectwithstanding her rank ■and sphere love came before all things, m, t!1 ; which divided her lover luti'.netai Iml' be broken, and the time came after a contingent of obstacles had been ovcicomo, for Hinemoa an.l iutauokiu are _ vinted. The music ?r 5, ls °P orn > "Hinemoa," written by Mr. Percy PJynn, is said tio be exquisitely beautiful. There are forty Maori members of the company, each one an. exceptionally talented artiste. The rich voices and delightful singing are a standing feature of the entertainment. The scenery, is another unique attraction, for the locality of the story all happened around the enchanting landscapes of Eotorua. The hike scene, with the moon shining through the mist, is described as a glorious spectacle. The dresses of the production are. stated to be most costly and rare, many of them being historical heirlooms. The poi dances by the Maori maidens are described as simply beautiful. The mechanical effects are a special. feature of the opera, and a full and emcient orchestra travels with tho company under the baton of the composer. Half the net profits at the end of the tour go to the Wounded Soldiers' Fund, so not only does "Hinemoa" offer a delightful ovening's entertainment, but the results are for a good cause. In Auckland and New Plymouth the company met with great success. The pretty opera was produced by Mr. Charles Archer (formerly of the Royalty Theatre, London), j Tlio box plan is now open at the Bristol, whore seats can be reserved.