Some ‘Don'ts’

Te Ao Hou, September 1963, Page 13

Some ‘Don'ts’ DON'T peek at your audience around the curtain before the show begins. This looks very amateurish. DON'T talk to one another and make private jokes whilst the compere or a soloist is the centre of attraction. DON'T keep looking off-stage and talking or gesticulating to people out of sight of the audience. It is irritating and distracting. DON'T look at the ceiling or the floor. Follow the actions with the eyes during action songs, otherwise look at the audience. You are singing for them. DON'T be afraid to smile at the audience. Look as if you enjoy entertaining them, BUT DON'T grin during hakas—look fierce and proud. DON'T put greasepaint tattoo on the performers’ faces. It is rarely done properly, it always looks artificial, and as the Maoris are a handsome race, it spoils the attractiveness of the individual features. DON'T (men only) wear multi-coloured shorts or bathing trunks underneath your piupiu. Shorts should be as brief as possible and all the one colour. Good costuming is often spoiled by neglect of this point. DON'T wear European ornaments with traditional costume. DON'T have children wandering around the stage with parents (seen far too often). DON'T intermix Maori and European items.