CHAUTAUQUA.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 February 1921, Page 1

CHAUTAUQUA.

® 9 ©i—< OPENING THURSDAY AFTERNOON

Those who patronised the excellent programme of lectures and entertainment provided by Chautaqua last year have been looking forward for some time to their visit this year, and all who have not yet heard ibis unique and varied company should make a, point o( being present on the opening day of this vear’s session.

The first programme rommeiices at p.m. on Thursday, 24tli. in t.ie Opera House, Hevell Street. The afternoon sessions have been set hack a quarter of nil hour from the time advertised on the week’s programme for the convenience of patrons from the local schools. The -musical programme of the first day is provider by Afr and Mrs Emery -Parnell; a brighiVnd breezy pair of entertainers whose work is marked by extreme versatility and a great variety of numbers. Airs Parnell as a child impersonator is inimitable, as an accompanist her work ts sympathetic and lull of charm, and in her duet - numbers vx it|, her husband her manipulation of the soxaphone is a revelation. Mr Parnell brings a uuiuqe and wonderful just in the piano-accordion and the music ibis clever pair interpret on tlirse two last mentioned insli amen Is ranges from classical pieces to dear old familiar folk songs and popular melodies. As an impersonator Mr Parnell shows marvellous talent and with Lie aid of a little grease paint and a couple of changes of wardrobe transforms himself in appearance and voice into an entirely different personality all in full view of the audience. But it is in his vocal solos that Mr Parnell is at, his h,. s t. Possessing a rich baritone of wide range and beautiful timbre, Mr Parnell gives a programme of numbers ranging in scope from Grand Opeia to I Imitation melodies, and Negro folk songs, all of whi.h he renders with distinct artistry and the latter with a vivid touch of humor. The Purnells’ etiertainmeiit is one ol the most delicious pieces of the delightiul hill of iaie piovided for music lovers during Chautauqua week. Miss Attiyeh, the dainty little lady from Syria-not Assyria, please- who lectures on the first day lias the distinction of being the youngest woman lecturer on the North American Continent. Possessed of personal charm in a marked degree and vivid personality, Miss Attiyeh wins and holds her audiences from -her first entry on to the platform. Her afternoon lecture deals in a most interesting manner with he,- life in the East and in the West, and tho human personal touch is always in evidence. In the evening Aliss Attiyeh appears in the beautiful costume of her Homeland the robes of a Mahommedan princess, and deals in a full and interesting way with life and customs of Syria from ft point of view of religion, politics, home hie ot its people; their temperament, art, literature and morals. The customs and ideals of the east and west are strikingly contrasted, and light is thrown on the suhect of the unhappy Armenians; the Turkish regime is dealt with, and a oreat tribute paid to that great General Allenbv ',whose work with the lhiisi forces in the east lids meant sO much to those people oppressed by the despotic will of the Unspeakable lurk.