DRAMA FESTIVAL

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 69, Issue 268, 25 August 1949, Page 6

DRAMA FESTIVAL

Great Interest Evinced LARGE ATTENDANCES AT EIFFELTON The Eiffelton Hall Society is at present holding its fourth annual drama festival, which commenced on Monday evening, when there was a capacity house. Again last evening there was a splendid attendance, and it must he gratifying to the society to see such interest being taken in these festivals. To the many hundreds who have patronised these festivals over the past four years it must be very evident that drama is creating a great interest in the various centres. Particularly is it gratifying to note the number of young people avlio are taking part, thereby gaining great experience on thb public platform. There are two sections at the festival. * One is for the Challenge Shield for a one-act drama, while the Comedy Clip is presented to the best one-act comedy. The festival was declared open on Monday evening by the president, Mr S. P. Taylor, wlio extended a welcome to the large audience, and to the visiting players.- He introduced the judge, Mr W. Hart-Smith, of Timaru, wlio is tutor-organiser of the Adult Education Department. lii the 15-minute interval between each play while the stage was being re-arranged, Mr Smith gave a short review of each play, offering helpful criticism and advice. Oil Monday evening four plays were presented as follow: —“Dark Brown,” by the Ashburton Players; “Mrs Methuselah,”- by the Allenton Drama Club; “Before the Morning,” by the Methven Drama Group; and “Haste to the Wedding,” by the Eiffelton Drama Club.

Last evening four plays were presented, those taking part being “Fair Rosamund,” by the Hinds Drama Club; “lie,” by the Lauriston Drama Group; “It is Quicker to Telephone,” by the Methven Drama Group; and “Heard in Camera,” by the Allenton Drama Club. The festival will be concluded on Friday evening when three further plays will be presented, followed by the judge’s decisions and the presentation of the shield and cup.