Murphy, John
Production date
2002
Description
Brian Clarke interviews John Murphy of New Plymouth, 30th April 2002, about his involvement with the New Plymouth Operatic Society
Object detail
Part 1
Research copy
Side A
0.1 Introductory information by Brian Clark.
0.6 John's first association with the NPOS (New Plymouth Operatic Society) was in 1953 when his wife Shirley was the rehearsal pianist. Asked to help backstage, John refused but went anyway. He mentions his great friend Merv White.
3.0 There were no sophisticated stage-sets. He moved scenery, built sets and describes 'flats'. The orchestra pit has been enlarged.
4.2 He did not ever appear in an acting capacity but has held every office during his 50 years association. John, an accountant, has office management skills and was originally a tax inspector.
5.8 He recalls his involvement with the Saving the Opera House campaign and gives reasons for the public wanting to demolish the only large venue for live theatre between Hamilton and Wanganui. Some valuations are given. Aided by guarantees from the committee, the Society took it on.
8.5 People were keen to get rid of the building because of the rates required by the Council.
9.2 John compares the Operatic Society finances of the past with the millions of today's assets. Rooms, then, were owned in Robe Street.
9.9 Describes the wonderful assistance from Mayor Denny Sutherland and mentions Kinsley Sampson. He also recalls the discussions held in Council as regarding the future of the Opera House. It eventually stayed and all has gone reasonably well since.
12.4 It is a source of pride to be recognised in the naming of the John Murphy Greenroom. He has had tremendous assistance from his colleagues. Many Antique buildings have come and gone but this one remains. He refers again to the 'flats' being put up and taken down and describes the complications encountered when pictures [films] were shown in the Opera House.
14.9 John recalls Mr Muldoon arriving to open the renovated theatre for the New Plymouth Centennial. He also recalls a frosty reception for the Prime Minister in Devon Street.
16.8 The amount of money put in to save the Opera house is discussed and explained and details are given of the rather complicated financial situation. John's ambition was a big expansion of the theatre. There is now the Opera House, the Theatre Royal and the Alexandra Room - a magnificent facility.
20.9 As something bigger than the Robe Street building was required, Avery's building in Currie Street was brought for rehearsals etc. Details are given. The Operatic Society is fortunate in having accountants to solve financial problems. This is discussed. John is a tough negotiator!
25.2 John is no longer on the Operatic House Trust so is not involved in the present seating campaign which is now the City Council's responsibility. He compares this with the King Street campaign.
27.2 He discusses the three generation involvement of the Murphy family in the Operatic Society.
29.7 Although it is extremely satisfying for a man to see his dream fulfilled, John feels that with the new complex his days of planning and dreaming are over.
Interview ends.
Side B Blank
Part 2
Master copy
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