Summary

Large souvenir theatre programme issued by J.C. Williamson Ltd for the 'Grand Opera Season', starring Dame Nellie Melba at His Majesty's Theatre in Melbourne from 29 March to 19 June, 1924. The programme contains mainly black and white photographs of various operatic performers, including Melba and Toti Dal Monte, stills from particular operas featuring Melba including 'Faust' and 'La Boheme', and a page detailing the evening's proceedings and performers. The Grand Opera Season was directed by Nevin Tait.

Physical Description

Large rectangular programme with thin olive card covers, both stapled and hole punched at spine. Inside is a 'Foreword' page, evening proceedings and performers and many black and white portraits of performers as well as opera stills.

Significance

Statement of Historical Significance:
Dame Nellie Melba is one of Australia's most famous cultural icons and exports. Her operatic achievements were acknowledged both nationally and internationally and her World War I fundraising efforts earned her Dame Commander of the British Empire. This item enhances the Museum's modest collection relating to Melba by documenting her Melbourne performances. Theatre programmes of Melba's Melbourne performances are particularly significant being hard to find in the market.

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