“JULIUS CÆSAR"

Otago Witness, Issue 4028, 26 May 1931, Page 64

“JULIUS CÆSAR"

EXCELLENT READING BY SHAKESPEARE CLUB. , An emphatic refutation of the suggestion that Shakespeare e works have declined in popular favour during the past few years was contained in the excellent support accorded the Dunedin Shakespeare Clubs presentation of “Julius Cresar ” at His Majesty s ’lheatre on Tuesday evening. Jhe outstanding performance was undoubtedly that of Mr J. Fleming, who, as Mark Antony, gave an exceptionally satisfying reading. He infused into his lines a wealth "of dramatic power which. combined with a keen insight into the requirements of what is undoubtedly the most exacting part in the drama, did much to create that atmosphere which is s<j vital to the successful presentation of such a work. In his presentation of Mark Antony’s oration Mr Fleming excelled himself. Mr F. J. Gair was thoroughly at home in the role of Cresar, and gave an excellent reading, characterised by dignity and firmness, while Mr H. Chapman, as Brutus, gave a very effective reading. The part of the scheming Cassius, the leader of the conspirators, was given a convincing interpretation by Mr N. M'Kinlay, who introduced the sinister atmosphere of treason and dark plottin" with striking effect. Miss A. Campbell, as Portia, Brutus’s wife, gave another outstanding reading, her part calling for extreme delicacy of treatment in order that the dramatic quality of the lines might not be over-emphasised. Her admirable speaking voice and the commendable restraint which she exercised throughout her performance combined to create a characterisation which was more than creditable. Miss M. MTndoe, in her one appearance as Calpurnia. Caesar’s wife, also gave an admirable reading, speaking her lines clearly and with a nice sense of dramatic values. Mr D. Dall gave a very praiseworthy reading of the part of Casca, whilst the remaining parts, Pindarus (Mr W. B. Quennell). Decius and Octavius (Mr H. Bain), Flavius and Artimidorus (Mr L. Moller), Marullus and Metullus (Mr 11. Gaston), Lucius (Miss N. E. Buswell), and chorus and Caesar’s ghost (Miss M. Jolily), were given most effective treatment. During an interval in the reading Miss Dorothy Sligo was heard in a delightful rendering of Chaminade’s “ L’Ete,” being compelled to give an encore.