ENTERTAINMENTS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2567, 15 September 1915, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

"HTNEMOA" BY THE MAOPJ OPERA COMPANY. The six nights' Reason of "Ilincmoa" by the Maori. Opera Co. will commence at tho Grand Opera House on Thursday evening. "Hinemoa" is a llaori musical play in three acts, written and- composed by 'Mr. Percy Flynn, the young New Zealand composer. The company is playing .under tho distinguished patronage of their Excellencies the Governor and the .Countess of' Liverpool, and the Bight Hon. Mr. Jlnssey and Sir Jas. Carroll, who have signified their intention of being -present on the opening night. Tho first .flight's takings go to our wounded soldiers', and part of the net of tho tour go to tho same fund. "Hinomoa" is a simple and exquisite story, but yet historical—n stor.y which every child ■and grown-up person should know. To sco tho opera "Hinemoa" acted and sung by the Maori Opera Company, which cornuprises 40 talented Maoris, each one an artist, is, it .is stated, a revelation. The complete scenery of tho production, which was painted' by tiro clever artists, is a standard feature of tho opera. The scenes comprise many beautiful landscapes of llotorua, including tho lake and Mokoia. Thon again, tho dresses .aro said to lie .superb and costly. One eo,?tumo is made from the skin of the extinct Maori dog, and is reported to be valued at ,£l5O. There is a full and efficient orchestra travelling with the company, .under tho baton of tho composer, Mr 7 Percy Flynn. 'i'he mechanical effects are described as stupendous; many supplementary numbers are introduced into the opera, including hakas, poi dances, and other Native novelties. The opera is produced by Mr. Charles Archer, formerly of the Royalty Theatre, London. The box plan is ■ noiv open at the Bristol, 45., 35., 25., and Is. •

HIS MAJESTY'S THEATRE. A company of talented artists, most of whom are now to Wellington, is providing an excellent entertainment at His .Majesty's Theatre this week. The outstanding turn is that'of Mr. Lutes, an armless man, who is so "handy with his feet" that he plays the trombone, beats tlio drum, drives nails, aiid does trick shooting/ Miss Violet Trevonyon, an English soubrette, sings ■ a number . of catchy songs; and Miss Haze) Morris, an -.American artiste, is well worth, hearing. Also on the hill are Low Hoffman, eccentric tramp juggler; the Rosie Rifle Co., crack shots; Edwards and Parkes, comedy artists; Frank Herberte, vocalist; Orphea, musician; Ernest Pitcher, comedian; and the Caselli Sisters,, dancers. THE KING'S. Great crowta are besieging the King's :Tl>eatre to see the filmed version of Res Beach's book "The Spoilers." Miss Kathlvn Williams, who plays the part of Cherry Malotte, gives one of her finest portrayMs, and William Farnum, well known for his long association with the Famous Players . Co., plays the part of Glenister, the head-strong young miner. It is not generally known that the role of Dextry, the long-headed partner of "Glenister" is played l>y Mr. Frank Ckrk ■yrho was at one time well known in Australia and the Dominion in vaudeville. Ho joined the Selig, Co. iyhen the photodrama was but a shadow of what it is to-c]ay, and quickly established a reputation as a character lead. "Tho Spoilers'' undoubtedly ranks as one of the greatest photo plays ever screened in Wellington, and adds further to the laurels of the King's. The plan is at the Bristol and the management advise that tho bookings are very heavy. "The Spoilers" will be shown for the remainder of the weel\ only.

EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. "Tlie living Death" is the star film in the. new bill atEverybody's'/ Picture Theatre, in' Mariners Street. It is a.,story of great selfishne.ss,-but\greater love, and lovo triumphs..Among the comedies aro "His Phantom Sweetheart"., and' "Guzzle Tied to Trouble." • The latter features Syd. Chaplin. The "Gamnont Graphic" contains war topiaals; "Life of a Swedish Laplander" is highly interesting; and "Human Chains" is an exciting drama. THE' EMPEESS THEATRE. . One of the best films the Empress Theatre has screened is being shown this week. It - is. .entitled "Her Husband's Honour," and the story illustrates the complications, .(exciting in'the extreme) which, enwrap a woman who, though married' to a Customs; officer, is a member, of a sang of'smugglers. "A!Human Hound's Triumph" is a good comedy; ''Breaking In" is a drama of merit; tho "Topical Budget" is immensely interesting; and "Cupid's 1 Pranks" is an excellent laughter-maker. ', . ■ THE BRITANNIA' THEATRE. ' "Hearts in Exile," tho splendid adaptation.of John . Oxenham's well-known novel, is still drawing well at the Britannia Theatre.. It is a wonderful film insjnany ways. The scenery is gorgeous. The photography is excellent. . The acting is good. Of the scenery, nothing could be much finer than tno snow gcenes. The story is powerful and gripping, and deals with tho days of Nihilism in Russia. '