stage

Main Auditorium The Main Auditorium was originally known as 'Concert Hall' and was so vast that early performers dubbed it the 'two-acre paddock'. It is the largest single-volume space in the building and its circular design with fluted pilasters around the perimeter is based on the Pantheon of Rome. The walls of the auditorium have large, fluted Corinthian pilasters, in keeping with the Corinthian columns on the front facade. A decorative frieze runs above the stage, with artwork by Daphne Mayo. The frieze is molded plaster and features a classically-inspired design of nymphs playing trumpets and cymbals. Source: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/things-to-see-and-do/council-venu...

In the mountain village where the waters of the River Styx flow, the young Golfo and Tassos swear eternal love to one another. True to her word, Golfo rejects a nobleman who wishes to marry her, but Tassos breaks his oath and agrees to wed a rich young woman instead. When he changes his mind, it is too late and the forces of destiny continue to their inevitable conclusion. Linked with the historical tradition of travelling theatre troupes, Golfo is almost synonymous with this aspect of Greek theatre. However, despite its unusual language and localised character, Peresiadiss play is charged with emotion and technically is every bit as proficient as dramas from better-known names. Romantic rivalries, moral dilemmas and heartrending choices run through this important example of Greek theatrical heritage. Nikos Karathanos and his cast and crew approach Golfo with sensitivity and reveal it to be a genuine theatrical gem. Source: www.n-t.gr/en/events/oldevents/golfw_

Golfo is a 1914 Greek silent film directed by Konstadinos Bahatoris. It is the first Greek feature film. It was based on a popular Greek bucolic play written by Spyridon Peresiadis. Plot Tasos is a young shepherd in love with Golfo and intends to marry her. However, the rich shepherdess Stavroula with the help of her father manages to lure him with the promise of a dowry. Eventually he realises his mistake and returns to Golfo, but she has poisoned herself. Driven by guilt, Tasos commits suicide. Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golfo

In early April 1913, the citizens of Marburg, 60km west of Brisbane, were eagerly anticipating the upcoming amateur performance of operetta Beauty and the Beast, with a cast of locals (pictured). Staged to raise funds for the All Saints Anglican Church, the event was arranged by the Reverend T. Hely-Wilson, who oversaw the entire production from stage management and coaching of the amateur performers to costuming and scenery. On April 16, the wait was over as a 400-plus audience crammed into the School of Arts building. Within minutes of the doors being opened all the seats had been taken, with latecomers relegated to standing at the back. Local newspaper the Rosewood Register and Marburg Mail captured the mood - "the huge audience was on the tip-toe of pleased anticipation" - and went on to praise the performance: "The choruses were strong, tuneful, well-balanced and of fine tempo, whilst the ballets were enchantingly appealing." The two leads were Mr Arthur Dance (playing the Beast/Prince), who "spoke his lines with praiseworthy enunciation and distinctness", and Miss Grace Collins (as Beauty), who, "although considerably nervous ... acted well and sang charmingly". 0The remaining cast members were all lauded for their performances, while the children portraying the Prince's "frog court" were audience favourites for their dance. Another tireless performer was Miss McLoughlin, the pianist who accompanied the performance. Her contribution to the success of the operetta was publicly acknowledged at the All Saints church annual picnic a few weeks later, where she was presented with a gold bangle. Myles Sinnamon - Project Coordinator, State Library of Queensland Source: www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/beauty-and-beast-marburg-style