FRENCH CLUB

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 36, 11 August 1936, Page 17

FRENCH CLUB

SACHA GUITRY PLAY

There was a large attendance at the last reunion of the Cercle Francais, the opportunity of again seeing Sacha Guitry's play, "Le Voyage de TchongLi-" having been welcomed. In the absence of the president (Mr. Balham), Professor F. F. Miles, 0.A., presided, Madame E. Finlayson being in charge of the programme. Miss Lalla Vondersloot (at the piano), played, the opening number, as well as music incidental to the programme, with which Miss Ormi Reid ('cellist) also assisted. An interesting bracket of Chinese f? nf s (Dr- Ko(*'s collection) to which Madame Finlayson had fitted French words, was sung by Miss Nola Cunningham. The first of these s ("Tsao cnuan part pour la Mongolie"). a plaintive, haunting melody, recalls the legend telling how, during the latter part of the Hau Dynasty, China was °«f n harassed by marauding bands or Mongols, and in order to secure relief from these invasions the Emperor entered into a peace pact with them, one condition being that the Mongol chieftain should wed one of the Imperial Household. Wong Tsao Chuen, a most talented and beautiful lady, was selected for this unwelcome honour and in the song she laments her fate, me encore number was "Chine—la Magmfique." .These songs were followed by a. dance given by Misses Frances Muter and Margaret McLay in Chinese dress, the former in black and yellow and the latter black and red. They had arranged' this dance to Ravel s.. laideronnete "Imperatrice dss Pagodes"—the empress who goes to the bath and disports herself to an accompaniment of singing and playing attendants. Then followed Sacha Gmtry and Yvonne Printemps recordings, viz., "Deburau" and "Depuis trois ans passes," for which Mr. J. E. Butler was responsible.. These prepared the way for a Sacha Guitry play performed in Paris by himself, and Yvonne Printemps, vjz., "Le Voyage de Tchong-Li," "Legend" en trois tableaux." Madame Finlayson presented the play, the performers being Mesdames Young and Finlayson. Dr. Keys, Dr. Carberv, Professors Miles and Boyd Wilson, Misses Coralie Smythson and Frances Huntjngton, and Mr. Beckett. Excellent lighting was supplied by Mr. Finlayson, who is to be congratulated on his efforts, which added greatly to the effect of the dresses and settings, especially in the second tableau. A programme note, "Authentiques costumes gracieusement pretes par Madame Arnaud," prepared the audience for interesting costuming, and they were not disappointed, as Madame Arnaud's loan was indeed handsome and included wonderfully embroidered robes and shawls, which well repaid the close inspection necessary to appreciate the beautiful ornamentation of flowers, fruit, birds, animals, and figures. • Madame Young was a petite and gaily-garbed figure in scarlet trousers and blue jacket, whilst Madame Finlayson wore black trousers and crimson jacket richly ornamented with gold and silk embroidery. Among the effective garments worn by other characters were opulent-lqking robes in black and orange, heavy with embroidery, a black and purple embroidered jacket, and a tunic adorned with a weighty-looking dragon in gold. In the third tableau Madame Young wore a: pink silk tunic lightly embroidered. These picturesque habiliments were supported.by settings bright with. handsome brassware and effective backgrounds; a huge black Chinese shawl, almost covered on both sides with coloured embroidery, richly soft and heavy, was a most covetable accessory Dr. Keys as "Tchong-Li" (the chief character) was much compliment ed, as were :others with leading roles, whilst the minor parts were well sustained. A highlight-:of the play was the market-scene, .with its noise and lanterns, music from "disques chinoises,' and a moon; rpun.d and silver, lslunrng_over this corner "of old Canton. Madame Logre (mother of Madame Finlayson) assisted with the stage settings, and herself wore a black Chinese shawl embroidered in shaded reds over black lace.

Madame Bendall introduced play and players, and ■ also conducted the conversation circle. Miss Ida Myers superintended supper, and. Mrs, Leo dv Chateau received.