"THE MERCHANT OF VENICE"

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2902, 14 October 1916, Page 16

"THE MERCHANT OF VENICE"

.Members of the Khandallah 'Literary ; fciid Debating Society proWded' au.ex-; ccllent'performance of the' ; abovo play* in tho Khandallah Hall • oti Thursday evening. There was a packed and appreciative house. Miss Batliamj as Portia, gave a lino interpretation • of tho charactcr, and was very effective in the trial scene. Tho "mercy" speech showed that Miss Batham has a fine range of voice, and sho was a'o licr best m this portion of tho play. The Jew. Shylock, was played by Mr. H. L. James, Who i\;as very successful as. a truculent, and revengeful individual. Mr. James was probably the best character in the play. His acting 111 the scene where he discovers that Jessica has left his house was excellent. Antonio and Old Gobo were played by Mr. George Hogboiv who was more successful in the latter than in the former. Mr. G. Living, who took the part of the Duke, was very effective. Tho character of Bas-' sanio was ably rendered by Mr. Claude Joijes, who made a graceful suitor. The most humorous portion of tlie play was tho acting, of Mr. C. Roland Luke, as Launcelot Gobbo. He fully entered into the spirit of the part, and his humour was delightful. Gratiano, in tho person of Mr. W. Appleton, was a little stiff in parts, otherwise his rendering of Bassanio's friend was good. Miss Margaret Sunderland, who represented Jessica, did lior part very well, although her voice was a triflo weak at times. Sho portrayed the character of Jessica in bettor fashion than did her lover in his part, Lorenzo, which was taken by Mr. J. M. Dale. In tho elopomcnt sceno Mr. Dale spoko his lines a little too loudly. He, howover, brightened up towards tho ond of tho play, and gave. an admirablo interpretation in the garden scene. Norissa. was acted by Mrs. Ciaudo Jones, who made an excellent attendant for Portia. She carried out her duties as Judge's clerk in a capablo manner, and tho-disguiso was very offeotivc. Iler voicc, however, could havo been stronger. Other parts taken were the Prince of Morocco, by Mr. Charles L. Blackburn; tho Princo of . Arragon, by Mr. Ernest D. Hobbs; Salarino, by Mr. George Burt; and Salerio, by. Mr. Henry "U. France. Tho comedy was well staged for a local production, and the costumes woro quito good. The music, provided by an orchestra, under tho direction of Mr.- Harry H. Tomlis, was very much appreciated. The organisers aro to bo congratulated on the success of tho function, which should largely>puhai)co the fluids of tho Red Cross_ Guilds, for which purpose tho entertainment was arranged. The performance is to bo repeated this evening.