A LITTLE THEATRE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 240, 10 October 1932, Page 6

A LITTLE THEATRE.

The recent performance by' the W.E.A. of "The Cherry Orchard," the season of the Little Theatre -Society, and the coming inaugural production of the Catholic Repertory Society, show that we have a livtf repertory drama movement in our mid-st. One may point also to the success of Tecent play-producing and play-writing competitions in Wellington and 1 Tiiri-a.ru. What is needed most of all in Auckland is'not enthusiasm or .talent —there is plenty of both—but a suitable theatre in which to stage plays. The poverty of Auckland in this respect is sufficiently indicated by the fact that the Concert Chamber, an almost wholly unsuitable -place, is still regularly used. What is urgently needed here is a small theatre or hall with an adequate stage equipment, good acoustics, and no disturbance from outside traffic. There are halls that have been built in recent years, but have not proved suitable for play production. To build a theatre or hall of the right kind, either as a separate building or part of a block, would, I believe, be a sound commercial proposition, for there is enough local play-producing to give it plenty of custom. I therefore throw out the suggestion that anyone contemplating building' a hall in the future should consult with local dramatic societies about their requirements. It seems to me possible that roam might be found in some block of buildings now under, consideration for a theatre that would meet all the ordinary needs of amateurs. AMATEUR. •