ENTERTAINMENTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2412, 29 January 1909, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS.

“ZliM..” How hiai’d dt i« (for a Avomau, • once sh o uias fallen, to regain her position in the world, is tlio foundation of the plot of the powerful' play “Zira,’ ; which was produced before «a largo ■iitidienoo by 'Mr. J. O. Williamson’s Star Dramatic /Compuny, in His Majesty’s 'Theatre; Inst evening. The story, which is, hi its. essentials, that o! Wilkie Collins’ “New Magdalen,” opens at the headquarters of an 'army division near Capetown, at the close of. the Boor war, where Blester Trent, who afterwtirdis becomes “Zira,” is serving as a nurse. Born in a; home of wretchedness, Hester Trent has fallen, but desires to redeem her position. During the campaign .a lady. Hath Wilding, arrives at the outpost and asks to be passed through the lines. Hester tells her how lon eh she is in the world, and the lady also states that she is lonely, but is going to England to join a wealthy aunt whom she lias never seen. She'often, to befriend Hester should she even reach London, hut when she heart her name retracts her offer and with hitter scorn reminds her of the past. Just at that moment fighting take 1 , place, land the lady is shot. -Hester Trent then decides to take the woman’s iiil'ace, go to England, and seek a home by impersonation. All goes well'; Hester is taken into the heart of the wealthy Clavering Family. v (dven the pet name Zira, joins the Rev. Gordon Clavering 1:1 mission work in the East End of London, is loved as an angel by all, end happiness abounds. But an army surgeon. Sir Frederick Knowles, has saved Until Wilding’s fife, but thinks when lie hears her story that sin- is insane, for when she tells that Zira is an impersonator, no credence is_ given to her story. The surgeon brings Kut.i to England, and to the -Ciavering house. She meets Zira, and u powerful dramatic scene take- place. She calls her a thief and a cheat, and threatens to expose her. Zira pleadfor mercy. u, respite for a few hours, and promises to give back to Ruth her place in the family, but tin answer is “Lies! ilies!” and the threat of immediate exposure, -oin: then becomes defiant, the family n called in, and Ruth is ordered tc leave the house. She lms no sooner <rone than Zira tells Mt-.-Constance Clave ring the truth, admits that she w Hester Trent, a cheat and a tlnei. The family is heart-broken on hearing the confession, but not one word o! reproach is spoken. .tne fast act shows Zira leaving.,the house; she rmet on the stairs by the clergyman imul. v w, who declares his love, ano the e irtain h>-• 1 upon a happy couple. Such briefly is the story, but the play contains much more t'-au a story, rshows how intolerant a merciless, woman can be -.o one of her sexwhc has made a nrdnko. and how mve. eve'- hop-fill, i< ks lor the host am; finds it. The i ay is more huouueu in tone than “1 he i-hieiy and tin greater number ei the oluiractoi" «»*< in <-ontra.st to those in the hvttei drama. Miss Ola Humphrey as /ui <> liu- i part that :Hows her many opportunities. and not one is miss eel. ]n her softer work she -was natuirw, free and -graceful, and by her portrayal of the good angel of the mission at once obtained a firm uold on t\i<y svmpathies of the a-udieiice. * LI her scene with Ruth WHI mg, Miss Humphre-v was afforded scope foi her dramatic power, and her portrayal ov the enraged, defiant nnd scome-j woman was masterly acting. »' b eu Zira tells the story of her fife to her newlv-found friends Miss Humphrey showed what emotional power she possesses, and the pathos in her voice, while heartrending, was convincing and roM. Mr. Henry Kolker appeared to advantage in the subdued yet distinctive character of the Rev. Gordon Clavering. The part is one that calls for evenness of work, and Mr. Kolker showed how perfect he is in his work by his finished study. Air "George Tetheradgo aJso hud a mostsuitable part as Sir Frederick Knowles. The character was perfectly drawn, -and Mr. Tetlieradgc never missed an opportunity to supply the smaller details tlilvt makes his work convincing. His studies of human character, expression and emotion were (perfect, and he was frequently applauded. Miss Alma Vaughan was well cast as Ruth Wilding, and was afforded ample opportunity to d'spl'av her dramatic ability. In the scene with Zira. Miss Vaughan excelled herself, and the audience fully recognised the merit of her work. Miss Susie Vaughan gave n. clever studv of the obstinate, yet charitable Lady Constance Clavering, whale good work was also done by Mr. Cvril Mack ay as Captain Arnold Sylvester. -Air. Dion Tethemdge as Arthur Fielding. and Mr. Henry Overton as the Bishop of V appmg. The play was admirably mounted. THE VILLAGE PRIEST.

The final production of the present season of J. G. Williamson's Btai Dramatic Company is sure to be a very welcome event with local theatregoers. Few modern pieces have created so deep an impression as this drama of real liunv.ui interest —in which a thrilling story is lived (not told) by real human characters. There is no .wild adventure; no hairlireath escapes; no reliance on unnatural ami extravaguut effect; but sterling merit -ami a natural chain which lives far beyond the spirit oi most modern drama. Par from the bustle of cities m a quiet French village the scene is laid, and in this little world ure all the materials of tragedy, and secret sin, and conscience that refuses to deep the nobility of chanty ami self-sacrifice, the generous -ambitions aud warm affections of vouth. tin boiling balm of -religion. Ibe A ulage Priest” is undoubtedly a great play and teaches many great and beautiful truths. . ... Air CL -8. Titheradge .will again appear in his original creation, Abbe Dubois —a. diameter with which the public has perhaps more completely associated his name and success than any*other of his famous performances. And justly so, for the impersonation is nothing short of -genius. Miss Ola Humphrey has won enthusiastic acclamations of approval from press and public alike in the exacting role or Comtcsse do Trcrneilhm, and 1 1 Henry Kolker as Jetm Torqueme Ims made a deep impression. , c 1 , - forniatice of Miss Susie Vaughan am. the -whole supporting company is spoken of in the highest praise by Wellington contemporaries,

COOPEi VS OP ERAS COPE

Olio of the latest inventions of modern -Science hr the production of t'lio human voice and animated pictures is to be presented to the Gisborne public next Monday and Tuesday evening in His Majesty’s Theatre by Cooper’s Opera scope and Royal Entertainers, coming direct from the principal •Dominion theatres. Laughing, talking, whistling, and dancing items are on the* programme. Also the latest triumphs.in the animated picture art, inehuling the most ■sensational picture drama over yet seen, entitled the “Night Riders of Tenneesseo,” or “Hunted to Death.” Included in the Company is Miss Brightio Carlisle, -who will, give several items of pictorial melody, and sketches, etc. Concession coupon tickets, which, admit at a, cheaper rule, are included on the advertisement appearing in another column. The season is limited to two nights only. “MIiSS LANCASHIRE, LIMITED.” On Wednesday evening next Miss Florence Baines, “the' girl who set London laughing,” -will commence a four night’s scareon at His Majesty’s Theatre. Miss Baines comes to us with a reputation second to none as i comedienne. Her eleven weeks’ seasons in Sydney and Melbourne, to say nothing of her phenomenal runs bi England, are alone sufficient to show that we are to be visited by a ■Jar of the. first magnitude. “Miss Lancashire, Limited, ’ bus a plot that is not merely taken for granted, and moreover, the piece does not dcoond upon outside assistance, such as elaborate dressing and scenic effects to make- if go. Miss Baines is in reality the play, and the piny is Miss Baines. Her singing is quite a feature of the performance, faugiving, coster, and classical songs are all the same, anil that she uses 'her voice to advantage may be judged by the following extract from a lengthy and highly’eulogistic notice which appeared in the Christchurch “Press'’: “The well-known Tosti's “Good-bye" has not been more successfully sung bv anv of fho great prim a donnas who have Visited us than it was sung bv Miss Baines on Saturday night.