S. G. reviews:

An exceptional piece of theatre, Earth And Sky, proved to be one of the most exciting things to happen in Wairarapa theatre for a long time.

The choice of the theme of the union of Maui and Hine-Mana-Hiri from Maori mythology proved as fruitful as the union of music, dance and art. Setting the tempo and tension of the work the first act. 'The Challenge", caught and maintained the audience's attention throughout. This challenge was quickly followed by "The Chant of Tane"—a most effective sequence using two groups of over a hundred children who entered slowly from the auditorium. The deportment of the children's chorus was remarkably professional no looking to catch Mum's eye as they proceeded through the body of the hall. The production utilised the children's natural energy and they all seemed engrossed in their roles.

There was an amazing use of different types of drums and much intricate percussion scoring skilfully performed by the children. At times it was impossible to tell whether it was the children's voices, the electronic voice or the orchestra that delivered the intended effect. The various facets lacked focus, confusing the listener. The use of amplification had overtones of sports meetings and railway stations and may not have evoked the desired atmosphere. Could the amplified voice have been presented more effectively without it?

Unfortunately the movement was very limited and formal, lacking vitality and imagination. It failed to take the clear musical cues, a fault of production and not of the work.

Children provided relief from the sombre atmosphere of the Cod world, with their delightful and amusing animal, insect and reptile costumes. The audience was involved in trying to catch each incident in which the children were exploited, such as in the humour of Tane planting the trees upside down. Tane's affection for the wee pink chick communicated itself to the audience. Though to some extent the effective amalgamation of ballet and opera was inhibited by stifling the movement, one Felt that this example of theatre will become a standard work of New Zealand art. One ol its impressive qualities—it was commissioned for performance by children—is its respect for their potential Then is never a hint of the condescension so often detected in most music composed for the young.

The Wairarapa Schools' Festival Hoard should be complimented both on their enterprise in commissioning the work and in the presentation of such a fine first performance.