THE WALDORF SEASON.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 329, 1 February 1902, Page 3

THE WALDORF SEASON.

INGOMAR—TO-NIGHT

This evening will see the first ap-, pearance in Gisborne of the brilliant young American actress, Miss Janet Waldorf and her company, who are to begin a four nights ’ season at the Theatre Royal, producing for the first time here, Marie Lovell’s thrilling drama, “ Ingomar.” The play opens with the’ news being .brought to the Grecian village of the capture by the barbarians of Myron, an armourer of Messillia, and his detention in their mountain stronghold until the ransom money be paid. Parthenia, the poor but beautiful daughter of Myron, is distracted at the ill-news, and begs her father’s friends to raise the money

—hut all are in needy circumstances, and cannot comply, except one, Polydore, a despicable miser whom Parthenia had just previously refused to marry. Polydore now refuses monetary aid, and in snarling malevolency bids her go and beg her father’s liberty from the barbarians themselves. Thisis an inspiration to Parthenia, who at once sets out to the brigands’ retreat While thus wandering in search of the particular band that has her father in custody, one of the barbarians come across her and bring her before their chief, Ingomar, the pride of his tribe and the terror of the country side. Parthenia, in a pitiful appeal, oilers herself as hostage for her aged father, but is laughed to scorn, but still she persists, and after convincing the rough men how it will lie their advantage to allow her father to return and work out his own redemption while she remains as surety, is eventually accepted, and Myron is allowed his liberty. Then ensues a series of very pretty scenes between

Ingomar and the noble Greek girl, her courageous behaviour and attractive person moving the shaggy' chief most strangely. Their conversation turns to love', an emotion entirely strange to Ingomar, and which she explains to him is—- “ Two souls with but a single thought, Two hearts that beat as one.’,’

Gradually the sweet influence of Parthenia effects a great change in Ingomar, who neglects his duties as chieftain to he in the presence of the beautiful maiden, who has by this time completely bewitched him. After a fiery scene with his men, Ingomar resigns his position, and says he will take the girl as his part of the booty. After due consideration the offer is accepted, they part company, and Ingomar leads Parthenia back to her home in safety. In his love for Parthenia, he becomes a Greek citizen. The misei Polydore is again thrusting his loathsome attentions on to Parthenia, and so as to force her to marry him

has bought up all her father’s debts so as to foreclose in case of a second refusal, and so irretrievably ruin the family. This plot is frustrated by Ingomar, and for services renered in saving his city from an attack by his old comrades is made Timarch of Messilia, and given Parthenia in marriage. This beautiful story is unfolded in beautiful language, enhanced by picturesque dresses and scenery, quite unique in their way. Miss. Waldorf will appear as Parthenia, whose subjugation of Ingomar (Mr Norval Macgregor) is the motive of the play. The rest of the characters will be in capable hands.

Those who have nob already hooked their seats at Miller’s should do so at once, to ensure comfort. The programme for the season is announced in an advertisement.