J. C. WILLIAMSON LTD.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 31 March 1913, Page 3

J. C. WILLIAMSON LTD.

"THE BLUE BIRD." In order to give playgoers of New Zealand an opportunity of witnessing a production of the world-famous fairy play, "The Blue Bird," the J. C. Williamson Ltd. Management have organised a special Company of over one hundred artists', and Maeterlinck's masterwork will be staged at Masterton on Friday, Api'il 18tH." It was at fir si thought impossible, to send this .really wonderful representation on tour, but all the difficulties regarding the staging and lighting effects have now been overcome, and we are to witness a promised replica of the famous London Hay-market Theatre production, which created a veritable furore of enthusiasm. "The Blue Bird "was first produced at the Theatre des Arts, Moscow, somewhat over four years ago. It took- Russia, by storm, and 'was an instant success to the surprise of Maeterlinck, who had written it more., or less for his own pleasure. The rest of the world waited long to see the play, until it was mounted in London. The universal appeal' of the! [ play at the Ha-ymarket Theatre open-! I ed the way for its production in Amer-1 lica and -Franc?, and its instantaneous success in all the four countries in which it hag so far been seen has been remarkable. Here was a new work of genius, -which, like all great works of art, made its appeal to ail classes. , Rich and poor, gentle and simple, old and young, the learned as well as the untaught, all Aveq-e spellbound under the clia-mn of the play. All came away feeling better fo having seen it, and went again and again to listen to its message of hope and comfort. The box plans wlill ibe opened at the 'Dresden at 8 o'clock on Wednesday, April 16th. The J. C. Williamson Ltd. Management are offering prizes for the best essay on "The Blue Bird." For scholars over sixteen years of age the prize will .be £3 ,3s; for scholars hetween ; the iage of twelve and six- j teen £2 2s, and under 12 £1 is, I