AMUSEMENTS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIII, Issue 5, 4 September 1915, Page 5

AMUSEMENTS.

"HINEMOA." The Maori Opera Company ' which pi'odnced this" opera last evening conclusively showed that the Maori race are richly endowed with histrionic art and are natural musicians. The various actors and actresses not oniee en- I! deavoured to emulate pakeha artists they may have| J seen, but adhered |striot/ty' 'and 'devotedly to their own native quaint ways and ideas. This it was that made the opera so pleasing, and at once convinced the large audience that Maoris can be Maoris? in their acting, and thus something absolutely novel was witnessed. I The story of 'Hinemoa" is as dear to Ithe- Maori "race as is the story of r St., George and the Dragon is to the, English race. But' there is. this difference. ¥he Maori is romantically. Superstitious, and he hold* the traditions and legends of Ids' race in greater■ faith and reverent awe than do we A\fhites. Tliat being so. to see "Hinemoa 1 '; produced by the people who «till tbbld the legend dear, people who live their simple lifft. among the springs and. lakes where Hinemoa lived, is a rare tr-eat which none should miss. Scenes are absolutely Maori, while the' hakas, war dances, and the poi dances made the production absolutely true to life and natural. The artists are clever, and totally engrossed in their work. Tutanekai, Hinemoa's lover, was ably presented by Mr Tiawhi Rogers, whose tenor singing was excellent, and which, hut for an apparent "throat," would have surprised the audience. His two songs "Pure and Lovejy Maiden" and "Ye Kindly Breezes," were splendidly sung, and rich in expression and feeling. Mr T. Mahinia as Tiki, the faithful friend of Tutanekai. possesses a line baritone voice tinted with dramatic feeling and hie. Mahinia's acting with Tupa in the duet "Oh, ShyLittle Maid of Mine," was perfectly natural and pleasant. Mr Rua Tawhai as Ngararanui, Tutanekai's rival, acted his part well, but his singing was spoilt by a heavy cold. Mr Etika Butt as Whakaue, the Maori Chief, filled his part capably. Mr Hamiora as Tawake, Xgararanui's brother, possesses a very deep voice, of which more would have been relished, but whatever was allotted to him was done well. Of the wahines, Miss Mere Amohau as Tupa. the. sister of Hinemoa. was easily the best. She scored heavily in "For She is a Puhi Maid," and in the duet "Oh Shy Little Maori Maid," in which her acting, as was Tiki's, wag coyly sweet and natural. Hinemoa was quietly and well portrayed by Miss Tirita Butt. Her "To Help and Guide .Me" was excellently sung, and her duet work with Tutanekai. especially in "By Yonder Star," was very pretty. The famous Whaka poi dance brought the house down, and- had to lie repeated. The dancers possess that wonderful sense of rhythm which is peculiar to most native races. The hakas and war dances were done in true Maori fashion; the. tongue-gym-nastics of one individual caused considerable amusement. When one sees ihe Maoris in their war dances, it is I perhaps not so difficult to realise that the dancing of a haka by the fighting men at the Dardanelles put the fear ,of Allah and the curse of Tohu i! »into ' I the Turks. • ,

j A return visit !>>- the Company [would be welcomed .by all theatrelovers, who will be interested to learn I that the Company are practising that old Favourite "Uncle Tom's Cabin," which would suit the Natives excellently.