The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1919-08-01
AVALON CAMPE RS
GIVE ENJOYABLE
DANCING MAsQUE
Entertainment Entitled the
spirit of Play -
MANY ATTEND PROGRAM
Au.horess, Miss Margaret L. Chamber
aine Takes Leading Part
in Dancing

Against background formed by
majestic mountain, the silyery waters
of Lake Shaftsbury, and a fringe of
small trees by the waters edge sway
! ing in the breeze, forming an appro-
priately classical setting for the
portrayal of the beautiful interpreta-
tion of Greek mythology, the camp
ers and councillors of Camp Avalon
presented masque entitled the
Spirit of Play at their camping
grounds Thursday evening. The
masque was written and directed by
Miss Margaret L. Chamberlaine of
the Florence Fleming Noyes School
of Rhythmic Expression and the
pleasing success of the entertainment
was unanimous recognition of her
accomplishments and the graceful
and beautiful manner in which she
danced told how well she is
able to interpret and express music.
The plot of the Spirit of Play was
simple yet was especially fitting for
the masque. The program opened
when the Light of Dawn disclosed an
altar dedicated to the great god Pan.
To this altar came the high priestess
followed by her maidens, TO worship.
Two Children of the World who we're
seeking happiness next approached
the shrine to ask of Pan how they
might fulfill their desire, calling up
on Pan who is the play fellow OF
children Weary from their journey.
the little tots sleep while the great
god works his magic. Pan calls up
on all the spirits of play in Natures
world The spirits come, but the
play spirits of spring and summer
dare not stay and greet the riotous
autumnal throng. Bacchus, the god
of Inspiration comes and the hilarity
of bacchic revel stirs the sleeping
children. Unconscious Of Pans near
ness, they hear his strain, and dane
ing, find that they, too, can play just
as Pan has shown them. Filled with
Joy, they dance away to spread Pans
message to all children
With the exception OF the prologue
which was given by Miss Chamber
laine, the plot was shown by express
sive interpretive dances. The fitting
surroundings and the spirit Of the
theme gave inspiration to those VINO
took part and helped every dancer to
effectively carry to the audience her
message in the plaS. The girls of
Camp Avalon deserve praise
for the excellent manner both in
which arrangements were made Tor
the production ana for possessing the
talent necessary to make the masque
a success.
There was no artificial stage erect
ed for the masque and the dancing was
on the grass, the dancers being bare
footed. The costumes were made by
the girls themselves and made
creditable appearance. Several rows
of benches were placed before the
stage which was Illuminated by pow
eriul calcium lights. Some OF the
spectators, however, preferred TO re-
main in their automobiles TO witness
the entertainment, the machines pc
ing drawn up in semi-circle at the
roar of the benches and chairs.
There was strong breeze blowing
throughout the evening which pre-
vented the mosquitoes from interfer-
ing with the pleasure of those pres
emf. but which doubtless made the
evening somewhat cool for some OF
the participants.
The masque was given for the bene
fl Of the War Memorial Committee
OF Arlington. Considering the fact
that nearly everyone in the audi
ence had to come by machine to the
scene of the play thre was remark
ably good attendance and pleasing
profit will be made after meeting
the expenses incurred. People at
tended from all over Bennington
County, particularly from Manches-
ter, Arlington, SALISBURY and Ben
ningtony
The patrons and patronesses from
Bennington and Old Bennington were
as follows: Miss Mary A. Baker,
Mrs. Alice Cole, Mrs. J. c. Colgate,
Mrs. James A. Eddy, Miss Anne Ey-
erett, Mrs. Morton d. Hull, Mrs f.
b. Jennings, Mrs. p B. Jennings,
Mrs. Guy B. Johnson, Mrs. Richard
kellogg, Mrs. Henrietta Baker Lowe,
Mrs w. ]. Meagher, Mrs. George
Ouackenbush, Mrs. Daniel Robinson
Mrs. Charles e. Welles, Mrs George
NJ Hawks, Mrs T.. A. Booth and &. I.
Grisworld.