A NEW ZEALAND DRAMA.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XVI, Issue 5092, 1 August 1895, Page 3

A NEW ZEALAND DRAMA.

"THE LAND OP THE MOA" CRITICISED. IS;/ Our Wc/lini/hn Correspondent.

Mr George Loitch's much-talked-of sensational drama, " The Land of the Moa," was greeted by a big and boisterous first-night audience at tho Opera House on Monday night, and proved itself to possess considerable merit. While the plot is that of a melodrama of merely moderate yirtue, as far as coherency of construction and discursive dialogue go, the play itself is full of incident of a most stirring and varying character, siilliciently so to enchain the attention of the audience from start to finish. Event succeeds event of decidedly startling character, and so well are the surprises kept going that even while au auditor may admit passing weaknesses he cannot but constantly feel curious as to what is coming next. But it is in spectacular olTcct that Mr L'iloli has displayed exceptional originality in expedient, and in departing from tho conventional landscape of stereotyped prettiness to avail himself of the weird and wonderful resources of the marvellous Hot Lake District of New Zealand, he lias struck out a new line with signal success. Mr Leiteh has certainly opened up a fresh tield for the scenic artist to exploit, fertile with enticing possibilities, if one may judge by the most creditable production of Monday night, for taking it all round " Tho Laud of the Moa " is quite the finest thing in aspectacularwayever seen in the colony, The view of Wellington City and its harbour is a faithful reproduction of our capital, and is an attractively painted canvas. Auckland Harbour, it must be admitted, is a failure; but the charming and beautiful succeeding scene, Ohiiiemiitu and Lake Kotorue, in a romantic and jioetic moonlight moment, more than redeems this shortcoming. It would seem impossible to do justice or give even an idea of" The i'ink Terraces" in an artificial reproduction on the stage of a theatre, yet their surpassing loveliness is made vastly more evident in this marvellous stagepicture than is the case in the average oil-painting one sees of the same sublime subject. The mammoth staircase, with its petrified fringes and frescoes, its steaming pools of wondrous tints—for even the steam is there—and its picturesque sylvan environment, ascending in receding perspective, constitute amostinspiring study. " The Devil's Blow Hole" was another impressive presentment of nature in its imposing awfulness when to the grandeur of rugged beauty is added the mysterious subterranean reverberations and steam escapements associated with this remarkable spot. Then came the climax in " The Eruption of Tarawera," from whose riven summit belched forth a flood of molten lava, while liquid lire poured out in lurid streams, culminating in a vast upheaval with startling explosions and reports which, so a startled friend tells me, were heard even on Wellington Terrace, half a mile away.

Of the acting, well, it averaged fair, and in the case of Mr George Leitcli, with his quaintly funny face and humorous voice, went more than a degree better. Mis.s Polly Emery also took her part well —a Maori one. In some cases, however, the Native intonation and mannerisms were very imperfectly acquired, the Chief "Bewi," (Mr JaincsCathcart) ranting in a particularly melodramatic fashion, not at all like the melodious modern Maori. The Maori dance was a mere fragment, indifferently performed, yet it took well and aroused considerable enthusiasm.

Amongtheaiidionce.indrcsscircle, stalls, and family circle, were scattered a number of oddly-attired Maoris, for whom, of course, with its Native interlardation, the play had particular interest. These, as a striking contrast, included in faultless evening dress, whito tie and all, that smart and smiling dusky dandy, Mr Hone Ileke, M.H.R., son of the distinguished Native warrior who fought so bold a fight in the days of old. Mr Leitcli, who is a skilful advertiser, should certainly publish a few words of invitation in the Maori language when he is making his next announcements, and lie would get crowds of Natives. The" Land of the Moa" would proye much more seductive than the captivating circus to our intelligent Native critics.

| Tho title of the play is not a good one; particularly so when it is intended to carry it abroad. " The Land of the Moa" is a name which is commonplace: it neithei suggests nor inspires, nor docs it even arouso the curiosity which a more singular or odd title—and such seem the fashion now-a-days—would incite.