“ESTHER”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 923, 17 March 1930, Page 14

“ESTHER”

PLAY TO CELEBRATE “PURIM” “Esther,” a play by Margaret Macpherson. Presented at the Lewis Eady Hall on Saturday evening. Esther CAST., BeUy shenkin Vashti Fay Reynolds King Ahasueras Sidney Moses Memucan .. .. .. .. .. Lin el Emmanuel Mordecai H. Zukerman Raman .. Coleman Follick Dancers,, attendants, assassins, slaves, ladies of the court, soldiers. The play was organised by Miss Jacquelin Nathan, president of the Jewish Girls’ Society, and specially written by Mrs. Margaret Macpherson to celebrate the feast of “Purim.” The feast lasts for three days and commemorates Esther's action in saving her people from massacre. “Purim” is the one merry feast of Jewry and in Palestine great galas are held in honour of the event. Mrs. Macpherson had closely followed the Biblical story of Esther, treating it in dignified language, and sustaining the dramatic power of the story. Excellent costumes, correct in detail, had been designed and some verylovely stage effects were achieved with a minimum of scenery. Miss Shenkin acted with quiet dignity and looked very lovely in her simple robes. Miss Reynolds vividly portrayed the dramatic role of Vashti. The other members of the cast were very good, particularly Mr. Moses as the King. Three lovely ballets were danced by Miss Cecil Hall’s pupils. Miss Flora Shenkin was responsible for the production and Mr. C. Robinson was stage manager. At the conclusion of the performance the Rev. S. A. Goldstein spoke enthusiastically and congratulated the young players. Funds from the production will go to charity.