WILLIAM HEUGHAN

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 360, 22 May 1928, Page 15

WILLIAM HEUGHAN

AN INTERESTING ARTIST It is extremely doubtful if there is on the concert platform or stage at the present day a more interesting a.rtist than Heughan, the world-famous actor-singer, who is to give two of his unique recitals in the Town Hall on the nights of Monday and Saturday of next week. His method is peculiarly his own, and is in many respects a departure from the recognised methods of concert singing. His art is that of the actor-singer. He endeavours to make his numbers as thrilling, as illuminating, and as fascinating as possible, to make them more animate and complete; song pictures enhanced by appropriate facial expression, posture and gesture, making the body itself eloquent. Jn a word, these are the effects Heughan endeavours to unite with lyric effects, and bring to his audience, with what has been everywhere agreed, amazing results—a fusion of the arts.

He strives to combine the functions of the dramatic artist, singer and mime, mastering the word, the sound, the mind and the plastic, and to live on the stage through the portraits they create. Elis aim is to create and materialise a characterisation so as to realise in an inner sense all the demands of the composer. Only with the artist who has not the power to create the dramatic image is there any reason to don one costume and then another, to put on a wig, to paste on a beard, to hold a sword, a stilletto, a banner, etc. An artist who has this power simply requires a platform and a dress suit —in tlie case of Heughan, his picturesque national dress —to make him look statuesque. Only such an artist can create a performance instead of a concert. He is assisted by Maud Bell, a ’cellist whom we understand has made a considerable name in London and the capital cities of Europe, and also by Gladys Sayer, the well-known pianiste who assisted Heughan on his last tour.

“The Gaucho.” Douglas Fairbanks* latest photoplay, will have its Auckland premiere within the course of tl.e next few months. Douglas Fairbanks is seen in the role of a gaucho, a rebel leader of some spot in South America. It is a notable story, mainly concerned with adventures, escapades and love, and the energetic “Doug” does excellent work in the leading role. Lupe Velez, a Mexican actress of no mean ability, despite her lack of training, is his leading lady.